Urgent Negotiations on Military Aid for Ukraine

By Patricia Zengerle and Mike Stone

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is in urgent discussions with Congress to utilize $6 billion in military aid for Ukraine before a September 30 deadline, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

This comes at a crucial time for Ukrainian forces, who are advancing into Russia’s Kursk region while defending against Russian threats to the eastern city of Pokrovsk.

The Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), part of a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine approved in April, allows the president to transfer defense articles and services from U.S. reserves in emergencies. It has been the primary method for shipping weapons to Ukraine, with the latest announcement on August 23 of a $125 million military aid package including air-defense missiles, counter-drone equipment, and ammunition.

However, most of the $7.8 billion in PDA funds from the April bill remains unutilized, prompting officials to act quickly to prevent the remaining $6 billion from expiring by the September 30 end of the fiscal year.

Sources indicated that the State Department aims to attach an extension of PDA authorities to a Continuing Resolution, a short-term spending bill Congress must pass to avoid a government shutdown this month.

Congressional aides, speaking anonymously to discuss ongoing negotiations, expressed confidence in finding a solution due to strong bipartisan support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Zelenskiy plans to visit the U.S. soon to present a “victory plan” to Biden and participate in meetings with the Ramstein group of nations that provide arms to Ukraine.

Benefits for U.S. Companies

While the slowdown in weapons delivery to Ukraine this year is unclear, it partly stems from the U.S. Department of Defense’s worries about depleting its own stocks amidst supply chain issues in the weapons industry.

Lawmakers from both parties emphasize the necessity of continuing support for Ukraine. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D) and Lindsey Graham (R) stated that bipartisan support for Ukraine is vital to U.S. interests, committing to securing future military aid in 2024.

Since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, Congress has approved nearly $175 billion in aid and military assistance for Ukraine and allies, primarily for long-term funding of U.S. defense production to replenish equipment sent to Kyiv.

The Biden administration has highlighted the domestic benefits for U.S. producers as they navigate opposition from some Republicans advocating for prioritizing domestic spending.

Companies like RTX’s Raytheon in Arizona and General Dynamics in Pennsylvania have received contracts for products to replace those sent to Ukraine. These states are crucial in the upcoming presidential election on November 5.

As negotiations with Congress proceed, the administration is preparing a contingency plan to announce substantial PDA spending before September 30 to utilize the remaining funds. This plan would extend the delivery timeline for the weapons and allow for a gradual transfer of resources to Ukraine.

Additional resources include about $3 billion in PDA authority from a Pentagon accounting error, remaining available for Ukraine without an expiration date.