Trump activates drawdown powers for the first time in his current term to approve Ukraine military aid, according to Reuters. The $300 million package may reportedly include Patriot missile systems and guided rockets—probably, GMLRS for HIMARS systems.
Trump may be activating drawdown powers to send $300 million in arms from existing US stockpiles
Two sources familiar with the decision told Reuters the aid would come from US weapons already in storage. The package is expected to be pulled from Pentagon stockpiles using Presidential Drawdown Authority. One of the sources said a final decision on the equipment could be made at a meeting on "Thursday."
The reported $300 million in aid may include defensive Patriot missile interceptors and offensive medium-range rockets. However, "a decision on the exact equipment has not been made," according to a source. According to Reuters, the equipment is likely to be delivered quickly because the systems are already staged in Europe.
Reuters said the Pentagon and the White House declined to comment when asked about the plans.
First planned direct aid under Trump since return to office
By now, the Trump administration has only "approved"—or, more accurately, did not block—deliveries authorized under Biden.
If finalized, it would be the first time Trump activates drawdown powers to directly send weapons to Ukraine, Reuters notes. The use of authority may show a shift in Trump's Ukraine policy.
Presidential Drawdown Authority allows the president to transfer weapons quickly from US stocks, bypassing the need for new legislation.
