US boosts support for Ukraine as Biden prepares to leave office

Source: Scripps News

Posted 8:47 AM, Jan 09, 2025


The Biden administration is announcing more security aid for Ukraine during President Biden’s final days in office.

The $500 million presidential drawdown authority package will include missiles for air defense, air-to-ground munitions, support equipment for F-16s, small arms, and ammunition. More sanctions aimed at Russia’s economy are also expected this week, according to a U.S. official.

The latest tranche of aid comes as the U.S. works to surge support to Ukraine amid continued efforts to help Ukraine leverage its position for any potential negotiation. The announcement is among Biden’s final actions in office to help Ukraine, as his foreign policy agenda has in part been defined by the United States’ support for Ukraine’s defense, the rallying of countries to the war-torn country’s side, and the unification of NATO.

Biden vowed to surge aid as part of Zelenskyy’s meeting at the White House last September, when the Ukrainian leader presented his "victory plan." The administration viewed the plan, which in part focused on military capabilities, as a leverage effort by Ukraine in anticipation of any possibility of negotiations this year.

Read more: https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/russia/us-boosts-support-for-ukraine-as-biden-prepares-to-leave-office