“The main point is that this funding can probably only help stabilise the Ukrainian position for this year and begin preparations for operations in 2025,” he said.

“The boost to morale and more ammunition to strengthen their defences are necessary pre-conditions for the hard work to begin reconstituting Ukrainian combat forces and – critically – collective training to build a force that stands a chance of making progress next year.

“Predictability of funding through 2024 and into 2025 will help the Ukrainians plan the defence this year, especially if European supplies of ammunition also come through, but further planning and funds will be required for 2025, and we have a US election between now and then.”

Vehicles on their way

Alongside artillery and air-defence munitions, the aid package will include American Bradley and Mrap armoured fighting vehicles.

The vehicles were first delivered to Kyiv ahead of its summer counter-offensive, but they have since been used by Ukrainian forces in skirmishes against advancing Russian troops and tanks.

A promise of Himars rockets  will also come as a boost to help Ukraine’s efforts to degrade Russian logistics, such as fuel and ammunition depots, deep behind enemy lines.

Meanwhile, Javelin and other types of pledged anti-tank weapons will assist Ukraine in blunting a series of Russian pushes across the front lines.