Biden Announces $500M Aid for Ukraine; Trump Proposes European-Led Ceasefire

Dec 13, 2024, 02:45 AM

The Biden administration has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at $500 million, aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense against Russia's ongoing invasion. This package includes ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs), drones, armored vehicles, and protective gear against unconventional weapons. The announcement comes as tensions escalate with Russia over Ukraine's use of American-made ballistic missiles. President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20, has criticized the use of these missiles by Ukraine to attack Russian territory, suggesting a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Ukraine. Trump has proposed that Europe should take the lead in managing a ceasefire in Ukraine, with European troops overseeing the process, while he opposes Ukraine's NATO membership. This proposal was discussed during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Trump's plan envisions Europe leading Ukraine's defense with minimal U.S. involvement, focusing on a ceasefire and negotiations to end the conflict. He also suggested that European countries should pressure China to influence Russia to end the conflict.