The Biden admin is rushing aid to Ukraine ahead of Trump’s arrival
Image: Getty
On Saturday, the US announced an additional ~$1 billion in weapons support for Ukraine, as the Biden admin is rushing to spend all of its congressionally approved money for Ukraine before leaving office next month.
The new $988 million package – which brings total US support for Ukraine to $61.4 billion since February 2022 – includes counter-drone systems, cutting-edge rocket launchers, and other munitions aimed at boosting Ukraine’s military capabilities.
It comes amidst an ongoing stalemate in the war. Currently, most of the fighting is concentrated in eastern Ukraine and Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine captured 500+ square miles of Russian territory in a surprise August offensive – but later struggled to retain control, ceding 40+% of that territory in recent months.
- Russia’s war effort was recently boosted by the addition of ~10,000 North Korean troops, in a sign of increased military cooperation between the two nations.
- Overall, Ukraine has suffered ~310,000 casualties from the war compared to ~615,000 for Russia, per US officials’ latest assessment (though estimates vary depending on the source).
But the situation could soon change. In comments on Sunday, President-elect Trump called for an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky and other world leaders in Paris.
- Trump also said Ukraine should “probably” prepare to receive less military aid from the US government – Kyiv’s biggest single backer in the war – under his new administration compared to Biden’s.
Looking ahead… President Biden has pledged to spend all of the congressionally approved funds for Ukraine before leaving office on January 20, with an additional $5+ billion still left to distribute (in the form of weapons from Pentagon stockpiles).
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Sprinkles from the Left
- Some analysts argue that Trump is serious about ending the war as soon as possible, but must avoid striking a deal that makes the situation even worse in his quest to end the conflict swiftly.
- Others contend that Trump must be prepared to adapt to the aftermath of the Biden administration’s policies on Ukraine, which could change considerably in the coming weeks.
- “Trump wants to make a deal in Ukraine war. A bad deal is worse than none.” –Washington Post Editorial Board
- “Trump must adapt to Biden's decisions on Ukraine war.” –Logan Banner Editorial Board
- “Ukraine: The moment of truth for Europe.” –Le Monde Editorial Board
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that the sustained losses on both sides in the war make a ceasefire the most viable option, but the incoming Trump administration must be careful and avoid trying to strike a deal as quickly as possible.
- Others contend that Trump is correct in his assessment that the fall of the Assad regime will give Putin no choice but to call for a ceasefire and reestablish relations with the West, avoiding greater risk to his regime.
- “Perspective: The endgame in Ukraine is coming into view.” –Valerie Hudson, Deseret News
- “Trump’s right: Assad’s ouster should move Putin to choose peace in Ukraine.” –New York Post Editorial Board
- “Is the Ukraine War Stoppable?” –Holman W. Jenkins, Jr., Wall Street Journal
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