The U.S. is expected to announce $500 million in military aid for Ukraine on Thursday at a final gathering of President Joe Biden's weapons pledging conferences, meetings Kyiv says have been critical to its defense against Russia.

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.

Ukraine is in the midst of launching a second offensive in Russia’s Kursk region and is facing a barrage of long-range missiles and continuing advances from Russia

The new aid comes as Russia has launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraine's power facilities in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones.

Defense officials speaking to the Associated Press said the upcoming aid package, scheduled to be announced on Jan. 9, will draw from existing stockpiles with the intent of delivering most of the pledged weapons to Ukraine before Trump takes office.

The final aid package for Ukraine from the administration of current US President Joe Biden will amount to $500 million. Therefore, about $3.8 billion in support for Kyiv will remain unused, this information was provided by Voice of America correspondent Carla Babb from the Ramstein airbase.

The Biden administration is preparing to unveil its final weapons package for Ukraine, coinciding with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's meeting with delegates from 50 nations in Germany. With President Joe Biden's term coming to a close,

The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden plans to announce its final military aid package for Ukraine on Thursday, 9 January, which is expected to be "substantial". Source: Associated Press,