Mon Dec 30 15:54:56 UTC 2024: ## Biden Announces $2.5 Billion in Military Aid for Ukraine Before Trump’s Inauguration
**Washington, D.C. –** President Joe Biden announced a $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine on December 30th, 2024, aiming to bolster Kyiv’s defenses before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The aid includes $1.25 billion in immediately deployable weapons from existing U.S. stockpiles and $1.22 billion in longer-term contracts for future arms supplies. This allocation utilizes all remaining drawdown funds and completes the spending of all allocated USAI funds, according to the President.
The move comes amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian power infrastructure and ongoing fierce fighting near the Kursk region, where Russia is reportedly utilizing North Korean troops. The Biden administration is prioritizing equipping Ukraine for stronger negotiations with Russia before the Trump administration’s January 20th inauguration.
Concerns have been raised among U.S. and European leaders regarding President-elect Trump’s stated desire for a negotiated settlement with Russia, fearing a potentially unfavorable outcome for Ukraine and a potential reduction in military aid. The new aid package comprises various weapons systems, including air defense munitions, HIMARS ammunition, artillery shells, anti-armor systems, and other crucial supplies.
This latest contribution brings the total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to over $65 billion since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
First Piper 