The U.S. is set to provide Ukraine an additional $500 million in weapons quickly pulled from its existing stockpiles as the Biden administration works to get Kyiv in a stronger negotiating position before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

The plans will focus on Ukraine's air force, drone programs and air defense capabilities, among other parts of Kyiv's military, a U.S. defense official said.

American leadership on Ukraine is "critical" and continued assistance for Kyiv is key, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday, a day ahead of the expected announcement of a major new US military aid package.

The weapons package is funded through presidential drawdown authority, meaning they can be pulled directly from U.S. stockpiles.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has departed for Germany to attend the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at the Ramstein Air Base, which is his last one before the end of the Biden administration.

Washington plans to announce US$500 million worth of weapons and ammunition for Kyiv on 9 January during the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Source: European Pravda,

The Biden administration is set to announce a massive, final weapons aid package for Ukraine as part of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Germany this week to meet with representatives of about 50 partner nations who have come to Ukraine’s defense since Russia invaded nearly three years ago.

The attack was the latest effort to inflict pain on Russia even as Kyiv is losing ground on the battlefield at home.

The final package of military aid to Ukraine from U.S. President Joseph Biden's administration will be about $500 million, Voice of America correspondent Carla Babb said.

Germany will continue to provide Ukraine with security support in the form of military equipment and auxiliary materials within the framework of its

The Biden administration is set to announce a massive, final weapons aid package for Ukraine as part of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Germany on Thursday to

The reported weapons package for Ukraine, expected Thursday, coincides with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit to Germany.