President Joe Biden announced on Monday that the United States will allocate an additional $2.5 billion in weapons to Ukraine. This move comes as part of an effort to maximize support to Kyiv against Russia before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. The aid package includes $1.25 billion in presidential drawdown authority, allowing swift deployment of military stockpiles, alongside $1.22 billion in weapons acquired through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative for long-term support.
Biden emphasized the urgency of this assistance, stating his commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s position during the remainder of his presidency. Furthermore, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed a $3.4 billion economic aid package to support essential government services in Ukraine, covering salaries for civil servants and first responders.
Recently, Ukraine has faced intensified Russian attacks on its power infrastructure while fending off a significant number of the assaults. The ongoing conflict sees both nations engaged in fierce battles around the Kursk region, where Russia has deployed North Korean troops to reclaim contested territories.
The U.S. aim is to arm Ukraine with robust negotiating leverage before Trump’s inauguration. Concerns mount among U.S. and European leaders regarding Trump’s potential approach to the conflict, fearing it may lead to an unfavorable settlement for Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has delivered over $65 billion in security support to Ukraine, with this latest package comprising various munitions and defense systems from existing U.S. stockpiles.
