WASHINGTON — On Monday, President Joe Biden revealed that the United States is set to send nearly $2.5 billion in new military assistance to Ukraine. This decision aligns with his administration’s objective to utilize all available resources to support Kyiv in its ongoing battle against Russia, especially before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
The latest aid package comprises $1.25 billion in presidential drawdown authority, allowing for the swift deployment of existing military stockpiles to ensure that weaponry reaches the front lines more quickly. Moreover, it includes $1.22 billion dedicated to long-term weapon contracts through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
Biden highlighted that all available funds under the USAI have been fully allocated and expressed his commitment to utilizing the remaining drawdown resources before the end of his presidency.
“I have directed my team to accelerate support to Ukraine as quickly as possible,” Biden announced. “During my remaining time in office, the United States will work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this conflict.”
In addition to military aid, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen disclosed that the U.S. will provide $3.4 billion in economic support to Ukraine. This funding aims to maintain essential government services during the ongoing war, including salaries for civilian employees, teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders.
This recent military assistance 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 missiles and drones. Intense fighting continues near the Kursk region close to the Russian border, where Moscow has deployed thousands of North Korean soldiers to regain lost ground.
The Biden administration is keen to supply Ukraine with weapons to enhance its negotiating position ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Trump has hinted at the possibility of a negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia, expressing admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Numerous leaders in the U.S. and Europe are wary that Trump’s approach to negotiations could result in an unfavorable outcome for Ukraine. There are also concerns regarding whether he will fully back Ukraine with the military funding previously authorized by Congress.
The latest package of weapons drawn from U.S. stockpiles includes counter-drone munitions, air defense systems, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, air-to-ground munitions, anti-armor weapons, tube-launched missiles, fragmentation grenades, and various other equipment and spare parts.
With this announcement, the U.S. has now provided over $65 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
