"Sources: Trump set to approve Ukraine weapons transfer similar to Biden’s drawdown plan"

Donald Trump is reportedly considering sending weapons to Ukraine through presidential drawdown authority (PDA), a method previously used by Joe Biden to provide urgent military support. According to sources, Trump’s team is evaluating equipment from U.S. stockpiles for transfer under the PDA, with one estimate suggesting the aid could total around $300 million. The current administration has approximately $3.86 billion in remaining PDA funds for Ukraine, with Biden’s last drawdown amounting to $500 million in January.

Trump recently stated that the U.S. would supply weapons to assist Ukraine against increasing Russian military pressure—a shift in stance after delays in American aid under previous Pentagon leadership. Much of the equipment Biden previously supplied via PDA included older U.S. reserve stockpiles slated for replacement, countering claims that aiding Ukraine depletes U.S. military readiness. Ukraine’s most urgent needs include Patriot missile systems and GMLRS rocket artillery, which could be delivered swiftly from existing European stockpiles.

Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow prompted temporary disruptions at three major airports—Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky—on Thursday, according to Russian aviation officials. Some closures extended into Friday morning, while Kaluga airport, southwest of Moscow, also experienced flight suspensions.

In Kyiv, a high-ranking Ukrainian security officer was fatally shot in a parking lot on Thursday, with the assailant escaping on foot. Authorities are investigating the killing of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) colonel, whose agency has launched a criminal probe.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to replace the country’s ambassador to the U.S., suggesting Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as a potential candidate. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to reinforce Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Following another round of Russian strikes on Kyiv—which killed two, including a police officer, and injured dozens—Zelenskyy called for faster sanctions against Moscow. Separate attacks in Kupiansk resulted in two deaths and five injuries. The president also discussed enhanced air defenses and stricter sanctions with U.S. lawmakers supporting stronger punitive measures against Russia.