Biden Administration to Provide Ukraine with Additional $725 Million in Security Aid
Biden has instructed his team to utilize all available funding for Ukraine’s defense before his term ends next month.
The White House revealed on Dec. 2 a new $725 million military aid package for Ukraine as President Joe Biden aims to bolster Kyiv’s position in the Russian conflict before his presidency concludes in January.
The aid package will consist of ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, Stinger missiles, artillery shells, drones, landmines, and other military equipment, as stated by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan affirmed that the outgoing president’s goal is to enhance Ukrainian forces before leaving office next month and has authorized his team to spend “all funding available” approved by Congress for Ukraine’s defense.
Sullivan also mentioned that Ukraine will receive “hundreds of thousands of additional artillery rounds, thousands of additional rockets, and other critical capabilities” from the United States by mid-January.
To bolster Ukrainian forces in the east, Sullivan revealed that Biden has permitted the use of anti-personnel landmines in Ukraine. The president has also revised permissions regarding “Ukraine’s use of U.S.-provided long-range missiles” in response to North Korean soldiers’ involvement in the Russian conflict.
On Nov. 19, Russia stated that Ukraine launched six U.S.-made army tactical missile systems (ATACMS) toward Russian territory. Two days later, Russia retaliated with its new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system against targets in Dnipro, Ukraine.
Putin mentioned on Nov. 28 that Biden’s reported authorization of Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles to target Russian territory could complicate the incoming Trump administration’s efforts to engage Russia in peace talks.
“It’s possible that the current administration wants to create difficulties for the future administration,” Putin stated, adding, “But as in my view of the newly elected president—he’s a quite clever and experienced man—I think he will find a solution given that he has tackled such a challenge as reclaiming the White House.”
