On Monday, the United States announced nearly $6 billion in additional military and budget aid to Ukraine as President Joe Biden ramps up support in the final weeks of his presidency, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Biden confirmed $2.5 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine, while Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted that $3.4 billion in budget aid will be provided. This funding is crucial for Ukraine as Russian attacks on civilians and infrastructure intensify.
In a statement, Biden said, “At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office.”
The aid package includes $1.25 billion in military assistance from U.S. stockpiles and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package, marking the last USAI package of Biden’s term. Under USAI, military equipment is purchased from the defense industry or partners, which can take months or years to reach the battlefield.
Yellen added that the direct budget aid, coordinated with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, is the final disbursement under the 2024 Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act.
Since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago, Congress has approved a total of $175 billion in assistance to Ukraine. Recently, Russian forces have begun using North Korean troops, who have suffered heavy casualties on the front lines in the Kursk region.
Biden’s announcement aims to provide Ukraine with “an immediate influx of capabilities” to aid in its fight against Russia, along with long-term supplies of air defense systems, artillery, and other critical weapons. Despite the billions in aid, there is uncertainty about the future of U.S. assistance, as Trump, who will take office on January 20, has questioned the level of U.S. involvement in the conflict and suggested that European allies should bear more financial responsibility.
Some Republicans, who will control both chambers of Congress starting next month, have also shown reluctance to continue sending large amounts of aid to Ukraine.
The $3.4 billion in budget aid brings the total U.S. budget support for Ukraine to over $30 billion since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. These funds primarily help maintain government services, including paying salaries to teachers and other state employees.
Additionally, the U.S. has provided approximately $61.4 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, according to the Pentagon. Biden said the Department of Defense is delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles to strengthen Ukraine as it heads into the winter.
Yellen emphasized the importance of continued economic support for Ukraine to maintain government functions and defend its sovereignty. She also warned against reducing funding, stating, “Ukraine’s success is in America’s core national interest.” She vowed to continue pressuring Moscow with sanctions and supporting Ukraine in its pursuit of a just peace. “We must not retreat in this effort,” she said.
