President Joe Biden has instructed the Department of Defense to expedite weapons deliveries to Ukraine following a Russian missile and drone assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day.
Biden’s remarks on Wednesday come amid a race to supply Ukraine with military support before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This article examines the U.S. military assistance provided to Ukraine since Trump’s election in November, and why the Biden administration is eager to send more aid.
The Christmas Attack on Ukraine
On December 25, Russia launched a coordinated attack on Ukraine, deploying drones and missiles targeting energy facilities. Local authorities reported that at least six people were injured in Kharkiv, and one person was killed in Dnipropetrovsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, highlighting that Russia had deliberately timed it for Christmas, a time traditionally associated with peace.
“What could be more inhumane?” Zelenskyy posted on social media, referring to the attack on Christmas Day. Ukraine, which has marked Christmas on December 25 for the past two years due to the ongoing conflict, had previously celebrated it according to the Orthodox calendar, on January 7.
Keith Kellogg, who was appointed by Trump as his special envoy for Ukraine, also denounced the attack, asserting that “Christmas should be a time of peace,” and stressing the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Biden’s Response
In response to the attack, Biden issued a statement condemning Russia’s actions. He said the attack aimed to deprive Ukrainians of heat and electricity during the winter and disrupt the country’s power grid.
Biden’s statement emphasized that the U.S. had already sent Ukraine hundreds of air defense missiles in recent months, with more expected to arrive. He also confirmed that the Department of Defense would continue to expedite weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
This pledge is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to ramp up military support to Ukraine in the final months of his presidency, particularly before Trump’s inauguration.
U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the U.S. has committed approximately $61.4 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. In December alone, the Biden administration authorized several significant aid packages:
- December 2: A $725 million military aid package, including munitions, surface-to-air missile systems, small arms, and demolition equipment.
- December 7: A $988 million package that included drones and munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
- December 12: A $500 million package, which featured HIMARS ammunition, drones, and armored vehicles.
These funds were provided through various mechanisms, including the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
Prospects for Future Aid
As Republicans take control of both chambers of Congress in the new year, Biden may face challenges securing additional funding for Ukraine, as many Republicans, including Trump, have expressed opposition to further U.S. financial involvement in the conflict. Trump has characterized the support for Ukraine as a “blank check” and has voiced his intention to end the war quickly if he takes office.
Despite this, Biden’s administration still has funds remaining for Ukraine. As of November, between $4 billion and $5 billion was available in the PDA, and approximately $2.2 billion remains under the USAI. Biden intends to use these funds to continue aiding Ukraine up until the end of his presidency.
The Urgency of U.S. Aid
Biden’s urgency in sending aid stems from concerns about Trump’s stance on the war. During his campaign, Trump criticized U.S. financial support for Ukraine, suggesting the U.S. could end its involvement if he were in charge. Biden’s national security spokesperson, John Kirby, confirmed that the administration would continue to provide military aid “right up to the end of this administration.”
The rush to send aid is a clear effort by Biden to ensure Ukraine is equipped with the necessary resources before Trump potentially alters U.S. policy.
