Biden announces $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine
President Joe Biden unveiled over $8 billion in military assistance for Ukraine on Thursday, a move aimed at bolstering Kyiv’s efforts against Russian aggression. This announcement coincided with the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine since the onset of the invasion in February 2022.
The package includes the first shipment of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), a precision-guided glide bomb with a range of up to 81 miles. This medium-range missile enables Ukrainian forces to strike Russian targets from safer distances, enhancing their operational capabilities. While Biden did not indicate that Ukraine would be allowed to use U.S. missiles for deeper strikes into Russia, the new aid is expected to significantly upgrade Ukraine’s military arsenal.
“The support of Ukraine is a top priority for the United States,” Biden stated. “That is why, today, I am announcing a surge in security assistance and additional actions to help Ukraine win this war.” He emphasized the urgency of the aid, with $5.5 billion set to be allocated before the end of the U.S. fiscal year on Monday, while another $2.4 billion will be facilitated through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, allowing direct procurement from defense contractors.
Key components of the assistance include additional air defense systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and air-to-ground munitions, alongside support for Ukraine’s defense industrial base and maintenance needs. The Pentagon will also refurbish and send a Patriot air defense battery, further strengthening Ukraine’s capabilities.
In tandem with military aid, Biden announced plans to combat Russian sanctions evasion by targeting a global cryptocurrency network in cooperation with international partners. He also intends to convene a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany next month, gathering representatives from over 50 supporting nations.
Before meeting with Biden, Zelenskiy is scheduled to engage with leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties at the Capitol. Despite the generally bipartisan support for Ukraine, there is growing dissent among some Republican leaders regarding Zelenskiy’s government, particularly in light of rising criticism from former President Donald Trump, who has openly questioned the administration’s support for Ukraine.
Trump criticized Zelenskiy during a campaign rally in North Carolina, suggesting that the Ukrainian president has been uncooperative in negotiations. Concurrently, some congressional Republicans have expressed discontent over Zelenskiy’s recent visit to a munitions factory in Pennsylvania, where Biden grew up, leading to calls for investigations into the trip.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly stated his disapproval of the visit, suggesting Zelenskiy dismiss his ambassador to Washington over the trip, although he clarified that this stance does not jeopardize support for military aid.
As the situation continues to evolve, the U.S. remains committed to aiding Ukraine in its defense efforts, emphasizing international solidarity against Russian aggression.
