US prepares $8 billion in arms aid packages for Zelenskiy visit, sources say

FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy looks on at a Bi-Lateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly at the headquarters of the United Nations (UN), in New York, U.S. September 25, 2024. Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States plans to announce more than $8 billion worth of military assistance for Ukraine on Thursday during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit to Washington, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday.

President Joe Biden's administration has been engaged in urgent discussions with Congress to allow it to use up $5.6 billion in military aid for Ukraine before Sept. 30 - the end of the federal fiscal year - when the authority was set to expire.