The Biden administration is sending about $125 million in new military aid to Ukraine, U.S. officials confirmed on Thursday.
This decision comes as Washington seeks to understand how Ukraine’s recent push into Russia fits with its broader goals in the ongoing war, now more than two years long.
The new aid package includes air defense missiles, HIMARS munitions, Javelins, various anti-armor missiles, counter-drone systems, counter-electronic warfare equipment, artillery ammunition, vehicles, and other military supplies.
According to a report by the Associated Press, these resources will be taken directly from Pentagon stockpiles under presidential drawdown authority, ensuring quicker delivery to Ukrainian forces.
Although the official announcement is expected by Friday, just before Ukraine’s Independence Day, officials shared the details on condition of anonymity.
This support comes as Ukraine launches a surprise offensive into Russian territory, where its forces have reportedly taken control of about 100 square kilometers (62 square miles) around the Kursk region.
Meanwhile, Russian troops are advancing in the east, particularly around the strategic city of Pokrovsk, which is key to Ukraine’s defense lines.
Pentagon officials have been in close talks with Ukrainian leaders to better understand their long-term goals for the Kursk operation, especially given Russia’s gains near Pokrovsk. If Pokrovsk falls, it could seriously threaten Ukraine’s defenses and bring Russia closer to capturing the Donetsk region. Russian forces are now just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away from the city.
Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated that the U.S. is still working with Ukraine to understand how the Kursk operation fits into their broader war strategy.
"We know Ukraine wants to create a buffer zone along the border, but we need more information on how this helps their overall war effort," she said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the border area on Thursday, where his forces started the offensive earlier this month. He announced that Ukrainian troops had taken control of another Russian village and captured more prisoners of war.
This latest aid package brings the total U.S. military assistance to Ukraine to over $55.7 billion since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.
