Mon Dec 30 19:03:44 UTC 2024: **Biden Announces Nearly $2.5 Billion in Military Aid to Ukraine Amidst GOP Uncertainty**
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden announced a nearly $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine on Monday, bringing the total US commitment to over $65 billion since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. This latest tranche includes $1.25 billion drawn from presidential drawdown authority and $1.22 billion from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). The aid package will provide drones, guided missiles, HIMARS ammunition, anti-tank weapons, air-to-ground munitions, and spare parts.
Simultaneously, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced $3.4 billion in economic assistance to support Ukraine’s government and infrastructure. President Biden emphasized his administration’s commitment to continued support for Ukraine, despite concerns about the incoming Republican-controlled Congress and President-elect Donald Trump’s skepticism regarding further aid.
Trump’s previously expressed desire for a swift end to the conflict and his “America First” policy have raised concerns about future funding. A recent Pew Research Center poll revealed a partisan divide on US aid to Ukraine, with 42% of Republicans believing too much assistance is being provided, compared to 25% of Americans overall who believe the current level is appropriate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the aid package, highlighting its crucial role in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities amidst ongoing manpower shortages and Russian advances. The aid arrives as Russia claims to have captured the village of Novotroitske in eastern Ukraine. The Biden administration has now delivered 23 aid packages through USAI funds and 73 tranches of equipment from Defense Department inventories since August 2021.
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