Biden has the opportunity to approve arms deliveries worth around 6.5 billion dollars, equivalent to approximately 71 billion kronor, writes Wall Street Journal. It concerns already stockpiled weapons, i.e. material taken from the shelf.
But time is short: The incoming President Donald Trump takes office in the White House on January 20.
Trump has promised to quickly put an end to the Ukraine war. American officials are now worried that he may hold back crucial support to pressure Ukraine into a settlement with Russia.
Hitting the Ceiling
The Pentagon has already hit the ceiling for what can be spared each month without affecting the US's combat capability, claim the newspaper's sources. There are also logistical challenges to get such a large quantity of weapons to Ukraine.
But Biden's administration is currently preparing a new support package of 750 million dollars, equivalent to approximately 8 billion kronor, reports Reuters, citing two officials.
It includes items considered crucial staples in Ukraine's defense against Russia – such as armor, portable air defense missiles, drones, and ammunition for the Himars rocket artillery system, says one of the sources.
Racing Against Time
Landmines and cluster bombs are also included in the package, according to Reuters, which writes that it may be announced to Congress on Monday.
The question is how much arms Biden can get out before Trump takes over. The US would need to send arms worth more than 110 million dollars per day to use up the remaining funds in time, according to Wall Street Journal.
I would say it's impossible, says a congressional source to the newspaper.
