The U.S. is expected to announce $500 million in military aid for Ukraine on Thursday at a final gathering of President Joe Biden's weapons pledging conferences, meetings Kyiv says have been critical to its defense against Russia, APA reports citing Reuters.
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), comprised of about 50 allies who usually meet every few months at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, was started in 2022 by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to speed and synchronize the delivery of arms to Kyiv.
The group's future is unclear with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office on Jan. 20. Advisers to Trump have floated proposals to end the Ukraine war that would cede large parts of the country to Russia for the foreseeable future.
Washington has committed more than $63.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia's invasion and the additional $500 million could be announced later on Wednesday, a U.S. official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
On Thursday, the defense leaders will meet at Ramstein Air Base for the 25th UDCG meeting.
"We're not sunsetting the group. The next administration is completely welcome and encouraged ... to take the mantle of this 50 country strong group and continue to drive and lead through it," said a senior U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
"It will endure in some capacity, in some form going forward, I believe, regardless of exactly how the next team does or doesn't pursue it," the official said.
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