The U.S. is ramping up military shipments to Ukraine ahead of the administration transition.

Over $7 billion allocated to the Pentagon for the transfer of weapons and ammunition to Kyiv remains unspent, as does more than $2 billion intended for long-term contracts for equipment supply.

Pentagon representatives note that prior to the elections, it was planned to deliver the remaining aid to Ukraine by April, but now the deadlines have shifted — all supplies must be completed by January. According to officials, this will strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and improve its position in potential negotiations with Russia. At the same time, the implementation of these plans faces serious logistical challenges and raises concerns among officials about the depletion of America's own defense capacity.

According to a statement from a senior administration official, in response to the increased Russian attacks using drones and missiles, the U.S. is sending over 500 interceptors for the Patriot missile defense systems and the advanced NASAMS surface-to-air missile system to Ukraine. They are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

One American official stated that these supplies should meet Ukraine's air defense needs by the end of the year, as reported by WSJ.

The U.S. is also considering the option of purchasing American-made weapons from other countries for subsequent transfer to Ukraine, a senior American official disclosed.

The urgency of the deliveries underscores concerns among American officials regarding the promises made by elected President Donald Trump to end the war swiftly, possibly at the expense of concessions. Although Trump has yet to present a specific plan for resolving the conflict, the Biden administration fears that the new administration may cut weapon supplies to Ukraine to push Kyiv towards peace negotiations, WSJ reports.

Previously, the U.S. announced its intention to send contractors to Ukraine to assist in the repair and maintenance of F-16 fighters and other weapon systems. In August, President Joe Biden ruled out such a move, but the shortage of qualified specialists and the resulting technical failures forced officials to reconsider their decision, WSJ writes.

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