Biden Announces $7.9 Billion Military Aid Package to Ukraine, Including Long-Range Munitions and JSOW

Sep 26, 2024, 10:39 AM

President Joe Biden has announced a comprehensive package of military aid to Ukraine, totaling $5.5 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) and an additional $2.4 billion through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). The aid package includes long-range munitions, specifically the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), Patriot missiles, drones, and air-to-ground munitions. This move is aimed at enhancing Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities. However, there is no permission for Ukraine to use these long-range weapons within Russian territory. The White House has emphasized that this assistance is crucial to ensure the authority does not expire and to fully utilize the funding appropriated by Congress for the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine. Additionally, a $375 million PDA is expected later today. The Department of Defense is also involved in allocating the remaining security assistance. In his statement, Biden affirmed that the United States will provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win the war.