US sending final tranche of approved military aid to Ukraine

(Patria) - The US government has announced what it said is the last remaining package of weapons available to Ukraine under the existing authorization, and Congress now needs to decide whether to continue supporting Kyiv's battle against the Russian invasion, AFP reported.

The "final package of this year" includes anti-aircraft and artillery ammunition, according to a
State Department statement. It added that Congress, where Republicans are divided on support for Ukraine, should "act quickly" to restore the flow of aid.

President Joe Biden has made supporting Ukraine a priority, and US weapons and financial aid have been crucial in helping Kyiv. However, right-wing Republicans have led the push to halt efforts, refusing to approve new budget expenditures unless Democrats first agree to comprehensive, tough new measures against illegal immigration across the US southern border.

The last tranche of aid is worth up to $250 million and includes "ammunition for air defense, other components of air defense systems, additional ammunition for HIMARS, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, anti-armor munitions, and over 15 million rounds of small arms ammunition," the State Department said.

Last week, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby made it clear that the upcoming withdrawal of US military aid would be the last available.

"We will need Congress to act without delay," he said.

Congress is currently on recess and reconvenes on January 8.