Reports from the Department of Defense or credible defense analysis

Biden Rushes $6 Billion Ukraine Aid Before Trump Takes Office; Plans to Urge Continued Support

Nov 10, 2024, 05:30 PM

President Joe Biden's administration is accelerating efforts to send the remaining $6 billion in allocated military aid to Ukraine before his term ends on January 20. Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit in September, Biden ordered the Pentagon to allocate the remaining funds to support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that Washington plans to use all remaining funds for Ukraine programs before Biden leaves office. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that the White House will dispatch all congressionally approved resources over the next 70 days, emphasizing that abandoning Ukraine would lead to increased instability in Europe. Biden plans to meet with President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to argue for continued U.S. support for Ukraine, asserting that it should be up to Ukraine to decide its own sovereignty and territorial integrity. The push to send aid faces major logistical hurdles and raises concerns about depleting already-stretched U.S. stockpiles. Republicans have voiced concerns over the expedited aid, and any new equipment shipments may face delays, potentially allowing Trump to halt them after taking office.