The Biden administration plans to announce additional aid to Ukraine by the end of the year, but delivering the remaining $5.6 billion in military assistance before President-elect Donald Trump takes office may prove challenging, The New York Times reported, citing senior Pentagon officials.
One official said Ukrainian forces had killed or wounded "several hundred" North Korean soldiers sent to support Russia in its war.
A Pentagon spokesperson noted the North Koreans were inexperienced in combat and had been targeted in Ukrainian strikes on command posts and infantry positions.
Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Only part of the $5.6 billion will likely be used, enabling the Pentagon to transfer existing stockpiles to Ukraine instead of waiting for new weapons production under contracts, according to the report.
The administration also expects to utilize the remaining $1.2 billion under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows Kyiv to directly procure defense equipment.
Whether the incoming Trump administration will continue using these funds to aid Ukraine remains uncertain, officials said.