Joe Biden Announces Huge $2.5 Billion Boost To Ukraine's Defense

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Outgoing President Joe Biden has announced a last-minute $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine.

In a December 30 statement, Biden said: "Today, I am proud to announce nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression."

Newsweek has contacted the White House and the Trump-Vance transition team for comment.

Why It Matters

Over Christmas the Russians have made advances and heavily bombarded Ukraine. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, the U.S. has been at the forefront of international support for Ukraine. Biden has emphasized that providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to prevail in its struggle has been a "top priority" for his administration.

This huge security package builds on the Biden administration's significant final donations to Ukraine, reinforcing U.S. support as the nation faces potential cuts under the incoming Trump administration.

Biden
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event at Montgomery County Community College January 5, 2024 in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania before he dropped out of the race. Biden has announced nearly $2.5 billion... Drew Angerer/Getty

What to Know

The Biden administration is set to deliver hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, hundreds of armored vehicles, and other military support to Ukraine, likely aiming to maximize assistance before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

The latest package includes two key components: a $1.25 billion drawdown of U.S. military equipment and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package. Together, these funds are intended to strengthen Ukraine's immediate defense capabilities on the battlefield, while also ensuring long-term support in the form of critical weapons systems.

The President further stated that the administration is working to rapidly deliver the equipment to Ukraine and to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base to replace American stockpiles.

The announcement comes as President Biden wraps up his tenure in office, but he made it clear that U.S. support for Ukraine will remain steadfast. Washington has committed $175 billion in total aid for Ukraine under Biden, according to Reuters.

The President-elect has said he will negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine "within 24 hours" of taking office. Trump aims to facilitate a peace agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though specific details of this plan have not been publicly disclosed.

Earlier this month, Trump said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should be prepared to make a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the nearly three-year-old conflict.

What People Are Saying

Biden said in a statement on Monday: "As I committed earlier this year, the Department of Defense has now allocated all remaining USAI funds appropriated by Congress in the supplemental that I signed in April, and my Administration is fully utilizing the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine."

Trump-Vance Transition Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt previously told Newsweek: "President Trump has repeatedly stated that a top priority in his second term will be to quickly negotiate a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. Also, President Trump believes European nations should meet their NATO defense spending obligations and step up their share of the burden for this conflict, as the U.S. has paid significantly more, which is not fair to our taxpayers. He will do what is necessary to restore peace and rebuild American strength and deterrence on the world stage."

What Happens Next

With Trump set to return to power in three weeks, it remains to be seen if he fulfills his pledge to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours.

While his rhetoric suggests a quick resolution, many remain skeptical about the feasibility of such a rapid peace agreement, especially given the complex geopolitical dynamics and ongoing military engagement.

As the U.S. transitions to a new administration, world leaders and Ukrainian officials will be closely monitoring Trump's approach to the conflict, with concerns brewing over potential shifts in policy.

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