WASHINGTON — On Monday, President Joe Biden revealed plans for the United States to send nearly $2.5 billion in additional military support to Ukraine. This decision reflects the administration’s commitment to mobilize all possible resources to aid Kyiv as it continues to navigate its conflict with Russia, especially before the anticipated inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The latest aid package incorporates $1.25 billion in presidential drawdown authority, allowing for the rapid deployment of existing military stockpiles. This mechanism is designed to ensure that crucial weapons are delivered to the frontlines with greater speed. Furthermore, the package allocates $1.22 billion for long-term weapons contracts under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
Biden made it clear that all available funds from the USAI have been fully committed, and he is determined to utilize the remaining drawdown resources before he leaves office.
“I have directed my administration to provide as much support to Ukraine as quickly as we can,” Biden said. “During my remaining time in office, the United States will continue to work diligently to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this ongoing conflict.”
In addition to military aid, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced that the U.S. will extend $3.4 billion in economic assistance to Ukraine. This funding is aimed at sustaining essential government functions during the ongoing war, including payments for civilian employees, teachers, healthcare professionals, and emergency responders.
The new military support comes at a time when Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has successfully intercepted a significant number of incoming missiles and drones. Intense fighting continues in the Kursk region near the Russian border, with Moscow reportedly deploying thousands of North Korean troops to regain territory.
The Biden administration is keen on supplying weapons to Ukraine to enhance its leverage in negotiations before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Trump has floated the idea of a potential settlement between Ukraine and Russia and has previously expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Concerns are mounting among leaders in the U.S. and Europe regarding Trump’s approach to a potential settlement, which some fear could result in a disadvantageous agreement for Ukraine. Questions linger over whether he will fully endorse the military support that Congress has previously authorized for Ukraine.
Included in this latest military aid package are various items drawn from U.S. stockpiles, such as counter-drone munitions, air defense systems, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), artillery rounds in both 155mm and 105mm calibers, air-to-ground munitions, anti-armor weapons, tube-launched missiles, fragmentation grenades, and a range of additional supplies and spare parts.
With this latest announcement, the U.S. has now provided over $65 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022.
