The funding for this aid will be sourced through presidential drawdown authority (PDA), utilizing existing U.S. stockpiles.

The announcement comes at a critical time as the Ukrainian military continues to face severe shortages in weaponry during its ongoing two-year conflict with Russia. National security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Ukraine often lacks sufficient ammunition to respond when Russian troops advance and engage in combat.

With Congress currently grappling over the provision of additional funding, defense officials were able to secure this financial assistance through savings derived from long-term contracts with weapons manufacturers. However, they clarified that this arrangement is a one-time occurrence.

The military's flexibility in funding has become necessary due to the impasse in Congress, primarily caused by House Speaker Mike Johnson's refusal to bring a bill to the floor that would allocate $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. The last supplemental funding package was delivered in December 2022, providing $200 million in aid to Ukraine, funded from the previous year's budget.

While details of the latest weapons package remain undisclosed, it is unclear whether long-range ballistic missiles are included. Last month, NBC News reported that the Pentagon was considering sending urgent weapons, potentially including powerful missiles, to Ukraine without waiting for Congress to approve funds. However, defense officials cautioned that the limited inventory of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) would likely not be deployed without securing funds for restocking U.S. stockpiles.

Russia's territorial gains in Ukraine over the past few months, coupled with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's fervent appeals for additional military aid, have underscored the dire need for ammunition and other weaponry. The White House's latest aid package aims to address these pressing concerns, providing essential support to Ukraine's military forces.

Despite the immediate assistance, the U.S. has acknowledged that it has essentially depleted its funding capacity to aid Ukraine, highlighting the need for a resolution to the funding impasse in Congress to ensure sustained assistance.

As tensions between Ukraine and Russia persist, the provision of this weapons package signifies the ongoing commitment of the United States to support Ukraine's defense capabilities and safeguard its sovereignty.