On Monday, the United States announced close to $6 billion in military and financial assistance for Ukraine, as the Biden administration seeks to expedite aid before Donald Trump’s inauguration next month.
Trump’s return has sparked worries about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, given his past criticism of such assistance. With only three weeks left before the transition, time is running out to allocate the billions of dollars already approved by Congress.
President Biden unveiled a $2.5 billion security assistance package for Ukraine, emphasizing its struggle to protect its sovereignty against Russian aggression. The aid includes a $1.25 billion military drawdown, enabling the Pentagon to swiftly send weapons from U.S. stockpiles to the front lines.
Another $1.22 billion will come from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, funding equipment procurement from defense contractors and global partners.
The military drawdown features drones, HIMARS ammunition, guided missiles, anti-tank systems, air-to-ground munitions, and spare parts. In addition, the Treasury Department announced $3.4 billion in direct budgetary support for Ukraine.
Biden noted that his administration has now allocated all the Ukraine aid funds authorized by Congress earlier this year. He reaffirmed the commitment to providing military aid, including older U.S. equipment, to bolster Ukraine as it continues to face territorial losses to Russian forces.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen pledged ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine through security assistance and stricter sanctions on Russia. The Pentagon is delivering artillery, rockets, and armored vehicles as Ukraine braces for the winter months.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the U.S., along with over 50 allied nations, remains steadfast in ensuring Ukraine has the resources to defend against Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the aid, stressing its importance as Russia intensifies attacks, reportedly with support from North Korean soldiers and weapons supplied by North Korea and Iran. Zelensky urged sustained international support to fortify Ukraine’s defenses and move toward peace in 2025.
This announcement follows a nearly $1 billion aid package issued earlier in the month.
The Biden administration is racing to finalize additional assistance before Trump takes office on January 20.
Concerns have grown that Trump’s favorable stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and his unsubstantiated claims of being able to end the war in a day could lead to U.S. policies more accommodating to Russia.
