Deal to boost security in Ukraine under Biden administration unlikely to have significant impact on ongoing conflict in near future

President Biden’s security deal with President Volodymyr Zelensky, which the two men signed Thursday, demonstrates his continued support for Ukraine, though the measures taken remain minimal in assisting Kyiv to achieve victory.

The agreement serves mainly as a symbolic gesture and will not significantly impact efforts to force Russia to retreat and de-escalate the conflict any time soon.

The key aspect of the deal involves a 10-year commitment from the United States to support Ukraine’s defense and deterrence capabilities through the provision of weapons, ammunition, intelligence, training, and assistance in building military production capabilities.

Biden also announced new sanctions on Russia and parties supporting its war efforts, while the Group of Seven leaders authorized Ukraine to borrow up to $50 billion from frozen Russian funds.

While these actions send a message of support to Ukraine, the deal lacks concrete funding or weapons transfers without approval from Congress, and fails to outline a clear strategy for Ukraine to achieve victory.

If Biden truly wants to make a difference, he must take more decisive actions, such as lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US weapons in Russian territory and providing a clear plan for Ukraine to succeed in the conflict.

By only taking small steps, Biden risks prolonging the conflict and emboldening Putin, signaling a lack of significant challenge from the West while he is in office.