WASHINGTON — On Monday, President Joe Biden announced that the United States plans to deliver nearly $2.5 billion in additional military support to Ukraine. This initiative is part of a rapid effort by his administration to utilize all available funds to assist Kyiv in its ongoing conflict with Russia, particularly as the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump approaches.
The new aid package consists of $1.25 billion through the presidential drawdown authority, which enables the military to quickly access and deliver weapons already in U.S. stockpiles. Additionally, $1.22 billion will be allocated through long-term weapon contracts managed by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
Biden emphasized that all the funding available under the USAI has been exhausted, and he aims to maximize the drawdown funds before concluding his term in office. “I’ve instructed my administration to keep ramping up assistance to Ukraine as swiftly as possible,” Biden remarked in an official statement. “The United States will remain unwavering in our efforts to bolster Ukraine’s position throughout the remainder of my presidency.”
In conjunction with military assistance, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed plans for an additional $3.4 billion in economic aid to support essential governmental operations in Ukraine during this critical time. This financial support will assist in covering salaries for civilian and educational staff, healthcare professionals, and first responders amid the ongoing crisis with Russia.
This latest military support comes as Russia intensifies its assault on Ukraine’s power infrastructure. However, Ukrainian forces have successfully intercepted a considerable portion of the incoming missiles and drones. Moreover, a fierce confrontation continues near the border region of Kursk, where Russian military efforts are reportedly supplemented by thousands of North Korean troops aiming to reclaim territories previously held by Ukraine.
The Biden administration is eager to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities, which could give Kyiv a better negotiating advantage prior to Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20. Trump has hinted at pursuing a negotiated resolution between Ukraine and Russia, while also expressing admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Many leaders in the U.S. and Europe are voicing concerns that Trump’s inclination towards negotiation might lead to unfavorable terms for Ukraine and fear that he might withhold the weaponry funding that Congress has already authorized.
The latest arms package includes an array of military equipment such as counter-drone systems, air defense munitions, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), artillery shells of various calibers, anti-armor systems, tube-launched missiles, fragmentation grenades, and assorted spare parts.
With this recent announcement, total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 has surpassed $65 billion.
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