In a significant move during his final days in office, President Joe Biden has authorized a $500 million military aid package for Ukraine, intensifying support for the war-torn nation as it continues to fend off Russia’s nearly three-year-long invasion.
The package, announced Thursday, will supply Ukraine with air-defense missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and equipment needed to operate F-16 fighter jets. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the aid as part of the U.S.'s ongoing commitment to Ukraine.
"As part of our continued surge in security assistance that President Biden announced on September 26, the United States is providing another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to our Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia’s war of aggression," Blinken said. "The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself."
Ukrainian Allies Convene in Germany
The announcement coincided with a high-level meeting of the Ramstein Contact Group, a coalition of over 50 countries supporting Ukraine. The meeting at an air force base in Germany brought together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Blinken, and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
"We’ve come such a long way that it would honestly be crazy to drop the ball now and not keep building on the defense coalitions we’ve created," Zelensky said during the meeting. He emphasized the urgent need for advanced air defense systems, citing a deadly Russian airstrike in Zaporizhzhia that killed 13 people and injured over 100.
Transition to the Trump Administration
This aid package is being delivered through the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows for the transfer of weapons directly from U.S. military stockpiles. Since August 2021, this mechanism has been used 74 times to send arms to Ukraine, but as Biden prepares to leave office, the future of U.S. support remains uncertain.
President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office later this month following his decisive November victory, has signaled a different approach to the conflict. Trump has called for a cease-fire but has been vague on the specifics. At a recent press conference, he expressed understanding for Russia's opposition to Ukraine's NATO ambitions.
"A big part of the problem is, Russia – for many, many years, long before Putin – said, 'You could never have NATO involved with Ukraine.' Now, they’ve said that. That’s been, like, written in stone," Trump said.
Trump’s remarks highlight his cautious stance toward NATO expansion, which contrasts sharply with Ukraine’s push for membership as a deterrent to Russian aggression.
Divided GOP and Uncertain Future
The issue of military aid to Ukraine has divided Republicans. Last year, a $95 billion foreign aid package supporting Ukraine and Israel caused significant contention in Congress, reflecting the party's internal debate over America’s role in global conflicts.
As the Biden administration winds down, it appears $3.8 billion in earmarked Ukraine funds will carry over to Trump’s tenure. While Zelensky has expressed optimism about working with Trump, it remains to be seen how the incoming administration will approach the conflict.
For now, Ukraine continues to battle on multiple fronts, including an offensive in Russia’s Kursk region and defending eastern territories. Zelensky has made it clear that ongoing international support is critical.
"No matter what’s going on in the world, everyone wants to feel sure that their country will not just be erased off the map," Zelensky said.
