U.S. assistance includes air defenses and artillery munitions (Reuters)

The United States on Wednesday announced the release of $250 million in military aid to Ukraine, the last package available to it, as Congress must decide whether to continue supporting Kiev to counter the Russian war.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement that this year's final package includes air defenses and artillery munitions, and urged a divided Congress over helping Ukraine to act quickly to ensure continued support.

President Joe Biden has made support for Ukraine a priority, and U.S. weapons and financial aid have played a crucial role in helping the pro-Western country in its fight against Russia, which has far greater military capabilities.

But Republican lawmakers want to halt subsidies, refusing to ratify a new package unless Democrats first approve drastic measures to curb immigration across the southern U.S. border.

The latest tranche of aid is worth $250 million and includes air defense munitions, other components for air defense systems, additional ammunition for rocket launcher systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery munitions, anti-armor munitions, and more than 15 million rounds of ammunition, according to the State Department.

The statement stressed the importance of the US-led coalition to help Ukraine, noting that more than 50 countries are participating in it.

The Biden administration is expected to continue its work in the new year to pass the package that includes $61 billion in additional support for Ukraine, which was blocked by Republicans in Congress.

Last week, White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said the administration's aid package for Ukraine would likely be the last, because Congress did not agree during a recent vote to continue supporting Kiev.

Kirby called on Congress to agree, saying, "Ukraine still needs our help, it's time for Congress to stand with freedom and democracy and take action in our national security interests."

On Dec. 6, Congress debated the feast, and Senate Republicans blocked President Biden's $105 billion budget request, which includes aid to Israel and Ukraine.

Andrei Yermak, an aide to Ukraine's president, welcomed the help, writing on platform X: "Thank you for your help, we will win."

Source: Agencies