The Biden Administration's Final Military Aid Package for Ukraine
Just days before Donald Trump's inauguration, the Biden administration announced a final $500 million military aid package for Ukraine. This package includes air defense missiles and F-16 fighter jet equipment.
The announcement came as the White House scrambles to impose 11th-hour sanctions on Russia. Trump's incoming Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, has already promised a swift resolution to the conflict within his first 100 days in office.
This package is part of a broader White House strategy to strengthen Ukraine's position before the presidential transition. The plan includes training for new Ukrainian troops outside the country's borders and a proposed $20 billion loan backed by frozen Russian assets.
With only days remaining before Trump's inauguration, the latest package taps into $3.8 billion of remaining Pentagon funds. Trump has repeatedly criticized America's world-leading $65 billion support for Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion.
A final face-to-face meeting between Biden and Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, planned for Friday in Rome, collapsed after the White House cited California's wildfires. This leaves the two leaders without a chance to confer before the handover of power in Washington.
Behind closed doors, US officials acknowledge that Ukraine faces severe manpower shortages, even as they publicly tout the crippling impact of western sanctions on Russia's economy.
The aid announcement was made at what could be the last meeting of the 57-nation Ukraine Defense Contact Group. This western coalition has channeled more than $125 billion in military support to Kyiv. The group has established eight "capability coalitions" led by 14 countries and Ukraine, with roadmaps extending to 2027. These plans now face an uncertain future.
US officials have said the administration's goal has been to strengthen Ukraine's position ahead of potential negotiations with Moscow expected in early 2025.
10 Comments
ZmeeLove
Biden's last-minute military posturing seems like a political stunt rather than a strategic move. We need consistency, not chaos.
Africa
Biden's administration is making the right call by backing Ukraine. Our allies need to feel secure!
Mariposa
By strengthening Ukraine now, we are supporting democracy and freedom. This aid is a necessary step.
Muchacha
With Trump about to take office, why is Biden pushing through such a controversial military package? It reeks of desperation.
Comandante
It’s great to see the U.S. taking action to fortify Ukraine’s defenses! Let’s hope for a swift end to the conflict.
KittyKat
The aid is a way to prolong the war, not to resolve it. True leaders find diplomatic solutions, not military ones.
Katchuka
The world needs to see that the US stands firm against autocracies. This aid sends a strong message to Putin.
KittyKat
This military aid package could lead to more casualties and instability in the region. The cycle must stop.
Loubianka
What good is a military aid package when Ukraine reportedly has severe manpower shortages? We're wasting resources.
BuggaBoom
This is just more of the same bad foreign policy. How many more billions do we waste on this conflict?