Defense

Austin announces new Ukraine aid, defends Biden’s record on national security

The package won’t arrive in Ukraine immediately but will consist of contracts with U.S. defense companies to build new drones and air defense munitions.

Lloyd Austin’s speech was a recounting of the Biden administration’s work over the past four years, in which he defended its record at home and abroad. | Chad J. McNeeley/Office of the Secretary of Defense via AP

By Paul McLeary

12/07/2024 06:38 PM EST

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SIMI VALLEY, California — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin unveiled a new $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine on Saturday in one of his last major speeches before leaving office next month.

The package won’t arrive in Ukraine immediately but will consist of contracts with U.S. defense companies to build new drones and air defense munitions. “This administration has made its choice. So has a bipartisan coalition in Congress,” said Austin. “The next administration must make its own choice.”

The announcement will leave about $1 billion more in........

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