In a significant move ahead of the upcoming transition to the Trump Administration, the Biden White House is preparing to announce an additional $1.25 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. This aid package includes a substantial quantity of munitions, such as those for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defense system. Additionally, the package will contain Stinger missiles and 155 mm and 105 mm artillery rounds.
The announcement of this aid is expected to be made on Monday, as per sources. This funding follows a recent $988 million aid package announced by President Biden earlier this month, aimed at equipping Ukraine with the necessary resources to combat Russian aggression.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, emphasized the administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine and defending American security and human freedom. The Biden administration's decision to provide substantial aid to Ukraine before the transition to the Trump administration reflects a bipartisan stance in Congress.
During the campaign, both President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance criticized the Biden administration's support for Ukraine post-Russia's 2022 invasion. Trump pledged to end the war upon assuming office, while Vance proposed a solution involving Ukraine ceding seized land to Russia, a proposal rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump recently met with President Zelenskyy at a ceremony in Paris, marking a significant diplomatic engagement. The latest aid announcement represents the 22nd aid package under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
Earlier in December, House Speaker Mike Johnson declined the administration's request for Congress to authorize an additional $24 billion in funding, citing the need to await directives from the incoming president.
