WASHINGTON – The United States is set to announce a $500 million military aid package for Ukraine on January 9th, during the final gathering of President Joe Biden’s weapons pledging conferences. These meetings, which Kyiv credits as crucial to its defense against Russia, have been organized by the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), a coalition of about 50 allies that convenes every few months at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
The UDCG was established in 2022 by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to expedite and coordinate the delivery of arms to Ukraine. However, the group’s future remains uncertain with President-elect Donald Trump poised to take office on January 20th. Trump’s advisers have proposed ending the Ukraine war by ceding large parts of the country to Russia.
Since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago, Washington has committed over $63.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. The additional $500 million aid package is expected to be announced later on January 8th, according to a US official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
On January 9th, defense leaders will convene at Ramstein Air Base for the 25th UDCG meeting. A senior US defense official emphasized that the group is not being disbanded and encouraged the next administration to continue its efforts. “It will endure in some capacity, in some form going forward, I believe, regardless of exactly how the next team does or doesn’t pursue it,” the official said.
Trump will have access to a few billion dollars in appropriated funds for Ukraine’s military needs once he takes office. The January 9th meeting will also aim to endorse roadmaps for Ukraine’s military needs and objectives through 2027.
The United Nations reported that more than 12,300 civilians have been killed in the Ukraine war since Russia’s invasion, with a notable increase in casualties due to the use of drones, long-range missiles, and glide bombs. Ukraine recently announced new offensive actions in Russia’s western Kursk region, which it first seized in a surprise incursion last August.
The escalation in the Kursk region comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as its outnumbered and outgunned troops struggle to repel Russian advances in the east.
