Thu Nov 28 00:01:26 UTC 2024: ## Biden Admin to Send $725 Million Weapons Package to Ukraine Before Leaving Office

**WASHINGTON, D.C. –** The Biden administration is preparing a significant $725 million military aid package for Ukraine, sources within the administration confirmed Wednesday. This substantial increase in support comes as the current administration seeks to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against Russia’s ongoing offensive before President-elect Trump assumes office on January 20th.

The package, which could be formally notified to Congress as early as Monday, will include a variety of weapons drawn from U.S. stockpiles. This includes anti-tank weapons, drones, Stinger missiles, ammunition for HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems), and notably, cluster munitions for GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems). The inclusion of cluster munitions is controversial due to their potential to harm civilians.

The package also represents a significant escalation from recent Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) announcements, which have typically ranged from $125 million to $250 million. The administration intends to utilize a portion of the $4 billion to $5 billion in already-authorized PDA funds before the transition of power. The package will also include non-persistent landmines, designed to deactivate after a short period, addressing concerns about civilian harm. The U.S. has not exported landmines in decades.

The move comes as Russian forces are reportedly making significant territorial gains in Ukraine, prompting urgent action from the Biden administration. While the U.S. expects Ukraine to use the landmines defensively within its own territory, assurances have been given that they will not be deployed in areas populated by Ukrainian civilians.

Meanwhile, President-elect Trump has appointed retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg as a special envoy for the Ukraine conflict. General Kellogg previously presented Mr. Trump with a plan to end the war, a key campaign promise for the incoming president. However, details of this plan remain undisclosed.

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