President Joe Biden has approved the allocation of $5.5 billion in aid to Ukraine from funds previously authorized by Congress, according to a statement from the White House.
“I have authorized the allocation of $5.5 billion within the President’s authority,” the statement reads.
Biden instructed the Pentagon to allocate all funds earmarked for Kyiv before the end of his term. Additionally, the Department of Defense will provide $2.4 billion in security assistance.
President also announced that the U.S. will send Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) to Ukraine, along with an extra Patriot air defense battery and missiles.
He also expanded training programs for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, with plans to support the training of 18 more pilots in 2025.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly warned that any weapons sent by Western countries to Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets for Russian forces.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that these arms supplies will only prolong the conflict, calling the West’s approach “harmful” and “counterproductive.”