Trump Set to Approve First Independent Weapons Package for Ukraine

Описание: For the first time since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to authorize a new military aid package for Ukraine under his own authority, according to Reuters. The assistance would be delivered through the presidential drawdown authority (PDA), a mechanism allowing rapid transfer of U.S. weapons in emergency situations.
Sources familiar with the matter say Trump’s team is currently selecting arms from existing Pentagon stockpiles for urgent shipment to Kyiv. The package, estimated to be worth around $300 million, may include Patriot air defense systems and medium-range offensive missiles, though final details are still being discussed. A decision is expected during internal meetings scheduled for Thursday.
A Shift in Trump’s Approach
On Tuesday, Trump publicly confirmed that additional weapons would soon be sent to Ukraine to strengthen its defense. Until now, his administration had only facilitated the delivery of military assistance approved under former President Joe Biden, who was widely known for his steadfast support of Ukraine.
The move signals a potential shift in Trump’s Ukraine policy. While he has previously expressed skepticism over the scale of U.S. aid and occasionally made remarks seen as sympathetic to Moscow, he has also condemned Russian aggression and voiced support for Kyiv at critical moments.
Details of the Drawdown
The U.S. still has approximately $3.86 billion in drawdown funds available, allowing for swift delivery of arms from domestic stockpiles. The last time this authority was used was in January, when Biden approved a $500 million aid package for Ukraine.
Neither the Pentagon nor the White House has officially commented on Trump’s pending decision.
U.S. Aid Resumes After Pause
Earlier this month, the Trump administration temporarily halted shipments of some weapons that had been greenlit under the Biden administration. That pause drew public criticism, especially after it emerged that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had reportedly ordered the suspension without notifying the president or Congress. Deliveries resumed after a July 4 phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Following the call, Trump condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of mass killings, and said he was open to sending another Patriot system to Ukraine.
Kyiv’s Priorities and Rapid Deployment
Ukraine continues to emphasize its need for Patriot missile systems and mobile GMLRS rocket launchers. Some of the requested equipment is already stationed at U.S. bases in Europe, allowing for rapid delivery to Ukrainian forces within days of approval.
Since July 2, Ukraine had not received fresh U.S. military aid. The White House initially confirmed the suspension but later clarified it was a temporary pause to reassess inventory levels.
Over the course of the nearly three-and-a-half-year war, the U.S. Congress has authorized close to $175 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine and NATO allies.