The White House plans to expedite billions of dollars in security aid to Ukraine before President Joe Biden leaves office in January, aiming to strengthen the government in Kyiv ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, sources revealed on Wednesday.
A senior administration official, speaking anonymously, stated that the goal is to place Ukraine in the best position possible before Biden’s term ends.
Trump’s criticism of Biden’s Ukraine support has raised concerns about future aid to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government under a potential Republican-controlled White House, Senate, and possibly the House of Representatives.
Republicans have held a narrow majority in the House since January 2023, and it remained uncertain on Wednesday afternoon whether they would retain control after Tuesday’s elections.
In April, the Republican-led House approved aid to Ukraine, including the transfer of billions of dollars in U.S. weapons, after Biden’s request was supported by more Democrats than Republicans.
Of the approved weapons transfer, $4.3 billion remains, in addition to $2.8 billion in previous approved transfers and $2 billion for purchasing new weapons. This $9 billion in military aid would significantly bolster Ukraine’s arsenal.
The White House did not immediately comment on Biden’s plans for the transfers. The U.S. will continue to send munitions, anti-tank weapons, and more artillery, such as 155mm artillery and GMLRS rockets, to assist Ukraine in its ground war with Russia.
However, experts warn that continued support for Ukraine may be uncertain once Republicans control both the White House and Congress, particularly as Ukraine faces setbacks on the battlefield. “That’s going to be a problem when you go forward with additional funding for Ukraine,” said Scott Anderson, a fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declined to comment on Ukraine aid during a press conference on Wednesday, focusing instead on election results.
Throughout his re-election campaign, Trump claimed that Russia would not have invaded Ukraine if he had been in office and stated that he could resolve the conflict in 24 hours.
Trump also suggested that Ukraine might have to give up territory for peace, a proposition rejected by Ukraine and not supported by Biden.
U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, the vice president-elect, has been a strong critic of Ukraine assistance, advocating for prioritizing domestic issues over foreign aid.
