The administration of President Joe Biden is preparing a new arms package for Ukraine valued at $725 million. This information comes from Reuters, citing statements from two American officials.
According to a source familiar with the plan, the Biden administration intends to supply a variety of weapons from U.S. stockpiles. This includes anti-personnel mines, drones, "Stinger" missiles, and munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). The package is also expected to contain cluster munitions.
An official notification regarding the new aid package may be sent to Congress as early as Monday. The contents and size of this package could change in the coming days ahead of the anticipated signing by Biden.
"The United States has not exported anti-personnel mines for decades, and their use is controversial due to the potential harm to civilian populations. Although more than 160 countries have signed a treaty banning their use, Kyiv has been requesting them since Russia began its full-scale invasion in early 2022," the agency emphasizes.
It is known that Russian forces are using such weapons along the front lines.
The mines being sent to Ukraine are "non-persistent" mines, with a power system that operates only for a short duration. Unlike older landmines, they will not pose a threat to civilians for an indefinite period.
Assistance to Ukraine: Other News
The Biden administration is running out of time to utilize the billions of dollars allocated for armaments for Ukraine before the end of its term. When the new administration takes office after Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, it will decide what to do with the remaining funds.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian government has decided to significantly increase aid to Ukraine. In 2025, the country plans to finance assistance to Ukraine totaling 30 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $2.69 billion).