US readies new military aid for Ukraine to boost momentum

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is set to announce this week that it will send another roughly $600 million in military aid to Ukraine, as the U.S. rushes more weapons to fuel Kyiv's counteroffensive that has reclaimed large stretches of the embattled country and forced Russian troops to retreat.

U.S. officials familiar with the matter said an announcement could come as early as Thursday, or possibly Friday. It would be the 21st time that the Defense Department has pulled weapons and other equipment off the shelves to deliver to Ukraine.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a pending announcement, said the package will include more of the same types of ammunition and equipment that have helped Ukrainian forces beat back the Russian forces in portions of the east and south.

The decision to move on new aid quickly — on the heels of a nearly $2.9 billion infusion of aid and financing support announced last week and more than $3 billion announced in late August — underscore the U.S. intent to ensure that Ukraine can sustain its stunning counterattack that was launched early this month.