In the final weeks of his presidency, U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged $2.5 billion in additional security assistance to Ukraine as part of ongoing military support before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Biden emphasized that the U.S. will continue working to bolster Ukraine’s position in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The new aid package includes $1.25 billion in military supplies from U.S. stockpiles and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package, marking the last such initiative under Biden’s administration. The USAI funding will be used to procure military equipment from defense contractors and international partners, though delivery may take months or even years.
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nears its third anniversary, the conflict has intensified. In a recent development, Russian forces have enlisted North Korean troops to bolster their frontline positions. The involvement of North Korean soldiers has led to significant casualties, with 1,000 troops reported wounded or killed in the last week alone in the Kursk region.
Biden’s announcement highlights the immediate and long-term benefits of this latest assistance package, which includes advanced air defense systems, artillery, and other critical weapons to support Ukraine’s military efforts on the battlefield. This new round of aid comes as Washington has already committed $175 billion in support since the war began.
However, with Trump’s presidential transition on the horizon, there is uncertainty about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has expressed his intention to end the war quickly, suggesting that European nations should take on a greater financial responsibility for the conflict. As Republicans gain control of Congress in 2025, there may be a shift in the U.S. stance on continued aid to Kyiv.
Biden’s administration is also working to deliver critical supplies, including hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, rockets, and armored vehicles, to help Ukraine face the coming winter months. As the situation continues to evolve, Ukraine’s reliance on international support remains a key element in the ongoing struggle.
