Biden signs new $150 million weapons package for Ukraine
Biden promises additional weapons support for Ukraine with a $150 million package.
Biden announced in a statement on Friday that he has signed off on a new weapons package for Ukraine worth $150 million.
According to a US official, this package will include 25,000 155mm artillery munitions, radar equipment, artillery rounds, counter-artillery radar, jamming equipment, field equipment, and spare parts.
"Today, the United States is continuing our strong support for the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia's ongoing aggression," Biden said in his statement.
The US has so far given $3.4 billion worth of weapons to Ukraine since the war began on February 24, including howitzers, anti-aircraft and anti-armor missiles, ammunition and "Ghost" drones.
The Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) allows the US President to transfer excess weapons from US stocks without having to seek congressional approval due to an unforeseen emergency. Biden's PDA is currently capped at $3 billion, and he has asked Congress to approve $33 billion more for Ukraine, which will include an additional $5 billion in PDA.
Biden has almost exhausted his current PDA, with $250 million still remaining. This new package was announced as Biden is expected to join other G7 leaders in a video call on Sunday to show support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.