The US government has announced what it said was the final package of weapons available for Ukraine amid a standoff in Congress over further assistance to support Kyiv's battle against Russia's invasion.
"This package provides up to $250 million of arms and equipment under previously directed drawdowns for Ukraine," the State Department said on Wednesday.
It includes "air defence munitions, other air defence system components, additional ammunition for high mobility artillery rocket systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, anti-armour munitions, and over 15 million rounds of ammunition", the department added.
President Joe Biden has made backing Ukraine a priority and US weapons and financial assistance have been crucial in helping the pro-Western country battle against a far larger attacking Russian force.
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Firefighters attend a blaze after a Russian attack in Kyiv. AP -
A destroyed car in a courtyard of a multi-storey apartment building after what local authorities say was a Ukrainian military strike in the city of Belgorod, Russia. Reuters -
Ukrainian prisoners of war after a prisoner exchange near Sumy, Ukraine. AP -
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko visits a residential building damaged during a Russian missile attack in Kyiv. Reuters -
The Kharkiv Palace Hotel after a Russian missile strike. Reuters -
Ukrainian rescuers after a Russian drone attack on an office building in downtown Kharkiv. EPA -
A Ukrainian serviceman operates an anti-aircraft machine gun after an air raid alarm in the Kyiv region. EPA -
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking with commanders during his trip to the Donetsk region. EPA -
Ukrainian servicemen fire a self-made rocket launcher on a front line in the Donetsk area. EPA -
A woman searches for household items in her burnt-out apartment, recently hit by shelling in Donetsk. Reuters -
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a news conference in Kyiv. Bloomberg -
A firefighter at the site of a damaged building after shelling in Donetsk. EPA -
A worker carries out repairs to the Cathedral of the Transfiguration that was damaged as a result of a Russian missile in Odesa. AFP -
Ukrainian troops prepare anti-aircraft artillery from their position on a front line near Zaporizhzhia. EPA -
A woman with her cat, which was saved from an apartment building damaged by recent shelling in Donetsk. Reuters -
A howitzer is fired at Russian positions in Donetsk. Reuters -
Civilians take shelter in a gym after their apartments were damaged in a drone attack in Odesa. AFP -
Firefighters work at destroyed houses following shelling in Donetsk. EPA -
A Ukrainian soldier looks out for danger near Bakhmut. AFP -
Members of the Siberian Battalion carrying out military exercises with the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Bloomberg
However, right-wing Republicans have led a push to halt the effort, refusing to authorise new budget outlays if the Democrats do not first agree to sweeping, tough new measures against illegal migration over the southern US border.
"It is imperative that Congress act swiftly, as soon as possible, to advance our national security interests by helping Ukraine defend itself and secure its future," the State Department said.
Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak welcomed the aid.
"Thank you for your help. We will win," he wrote on X.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby made clear last week that the upcoming drawdown of US military aid would be the last available, leaving "no more replenishment authority".
"We're going to need Congress to act without delay," he said.
Democrats in the Senate, where they hold a narrow majority, tried unsuccessfully to push Republicans for a last-minute deal before the end-of-year holidays.
Congress reconvenes on January 8.
Even with Senate approval, the deal would have to pass in the House of Representatives where Republicans, dominated by a hard-right faction, hold their own narrow majority.
