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.