Biden Increases Military Aid to Ukraine by Billions

September 26, 2024 TruthUSA

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday.

On Sept. 26, President Joe Biden announced that his administration will allocate nearly $8 billion to aid Ukraine in its fight against Russia, marking the latest substantial financial commitment made by the United States since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Biden stated in a White House release that the assistance is intended to help Ukraine “win this war.”

This aid package includes the initial delivery of a precision-guided glide bomb known as the Joint Standoff Weapon, which has a range of up to 81 miles. This medium-range missile will significantly enhance Ukraine’s capabilities to target Russian forces from safer distances with higher precision. The bomb is designed to be released from fighter jets.

As Biden is set to complete his term in January 2025 after opting out of the 2024 race, he has directed the Pentagon to utilize the $5.5 billion previously allocated by Congress before the funds expire in a few days.

Additionally, the administration is investing $2.4 billion through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, allowing for the procurement of weapons for Ukraine from manufacturers instead of depleting U.S. military stocks.

This funding will help Ukraine enhance its air defense capabilities and air-to-ground firepower, as per Biden’s statement.

The president has also mandated military officials to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot missiles, an extra Patriot air defense battery, and enhanced training for F-16 pilots.

During a United Nations leaders’ reception on Wednesday, Biden highlighted how under his leadership, America defended Ukraine against threats of annihilation, showcasing that “nothing is impossible.”

In his address to the U.N. General Assembly on the same day, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s desire to end the war, emphasizing that this can only happen if Russian troops exit the country.

“I want genuine peace and fair peace for my people,” he stated.

Later on Thursday, President Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Biden to present his latest strategy for victory. Prior to this meeting, Zelenskyy will also meet with Democratic and Republican congressional leaders at the U.S. Capitol.

Biden expressed his pride in welcoming Zelenskyy back to the White House.

Notably, former President Trump has been critical of Zelenskyy as he campaigns for the upcoming election and has, for now, declined a meeting request from the Ukrainian president.

At a rally in North Carolina, Trump remarked, “We still funnel billions of dollars to a leader who refused to negotiate, Zelenskyy.”

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Scranton, Pa., on Sept. 22, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via Reuters) — Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Scranton, Pa., on Sept. 22, 2024. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via Reuters

Meanwhile, Russian leaders indicated on Wednesday that they might reconsider their stance on nuclear weapons if faced with an attack.

“It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation,” stated Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov conveyed that these changes should be interpreted as a signal to the United States and other Western nations.

“This signal serves as a warning to these countries about the repercussions if they engage in an attack on our nation through various means, including non-nuclear ones,” Peskov explained.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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