The US announced a new $725 million package for Ukraine, including more mines.

The United States on Monday announced a new $725 million military aid package for Ukraine, including a second tranche of anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapons along with mines.

US President Joe Biden’s administration is working to provide billions of dollars in aid to Kiev before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, after which future aid to Ukraine would be in doubt.

Less than two months before Trump was sworn in, Secretary of State Anthony Blanken said in a statement that the package was part of efforts to “ensure that Ukraine has the capabilities it needs from the Russians.” are required for self-defense against aggression.”

This includes anti-personnel mines, ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket launchers, Stinger missiles, anti-drone systems, anti-armor weapons and artillery ammunition, Blanken said in a statement.

The United States last month announced the first shipment of landmines to Ukraine – a major policy shift criticized by rights groups.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said that the decision was necessary due to Russian forces leading the way with infantry units rather than vehicles.

Austin told reporters last month that the Ukrainians “need things to help mitigate this effort by the Russians.”

The outgoing US administration is working to secure as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump – who has repeatedly criticized US aid to Kiev, claims it could be withdrawn within hours. Can call for a cease-fire – assume the presidency.

‘Spend Every Dollar’

Trump’s comments have raised concerns about the future of U.S. aid in Kiev and Europe and Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian attacks in the absence of further U.S. support.

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country needed security guarantees and more weapons from NATO to defend itself before any talks with Russia.

Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Monday that all remaining U.S. funding for Kiev would be used.

“At the president’s direction, we will spend every dollar that Congress has appropriated for Ukraine and replenish our reserves,” Ryder told reporters.

Speaking ahead of the announcement of the latest package, he put the total aid that can still be drawn from US stockpiles at $6.8 billion, while $2.2 billion is available for the purchase of arms and equipment from the defense industry.

The Pentagon said Austin spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustam Umarov on Monday, “providing an update on the continued increase in U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to provide it with the capabilities to defend against Russian aggression.” are required.”

The United States has been a major military backer of Ukraine since Russia launched an all-out invasion in February 2022, providing more than $60 billion in arms, ammunition and other security assistance.