Donald Trump must keep backing Ukraine with weapons and ammunition to ensure the country is not “ erased off the map ”, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said during a final meeting of Kyiv’s allies before the president-elect returns to the White House.

The package is expected to be the final U.S. defense tranche provided by the Biden administration before Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said a new chapter is beginning for Europe and the world – in just 11 days – a time when we must cooperate more actively, rely more on each other and achieve even greater results together.

The United States on Thursday said it is providing military aid to Ukraine amounting to $500 million shortly before President Joe Biden's departure from office. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made the announcement during a session of the Ukraine Contact Group at the US military's base in Ramstein in Germany.

Laura Cooper, senior Pentagon official leading the Russia and Ukraine office, stepped down as Donald Trump's inauguration looms, Politico reported on Jan. 6, citing one former and three current officials.