The Biden administration is preparing to announce a $1.25 billion military assistance package for Ukraine, aiming to expedite aid ahead of the incoming Trump administration on January 20, US officials reported Friday, the Associated Press reports.
This move is part of a broader push to allocate as much support as possible to Kyiv before the transition of power.
The package will include munitions for advanced air defense systems such as the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and HAWK systems, as well as Stinger missiles and 155 mm and 105 mm artillery rounds. Officials speaking anonymously indicated the formal announcement is expected on Monday.
This last-minute rush to deliver aid underscores the Biden administration’s urgency as Russian aggression intensifies. Recent attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure have left the country vulnerable, despite successful interceptions of many missiles and drones. Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues near Russia’s Kursk region, where Moscow has deployed North Korean troops to reclaim lost territory.
The Biden administration’s efforts, however, raise concerns about the efficacy of hurried aid and whether all $5.6 billion in allocated Pentagon resources for Ukraine can be utilized before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Senior defense officials have expressed doubts about the feasibility of deploying the full amount.
President-elect Donald Trump has signaled his intent to approach the Ukraine-Russia conflict differently, emphasizing the importance of negotiation. Trump’s critics worry his approach could result in a settlement unfavorable to Ukraine, but supporters argue it could bring much-needed resolution to the protracted conflict.
Trump has highlighted his ability to foster dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising hopes among some that his leadership could de-escalate tensions. While some European leaders express apprehension, others see Trump’s stance as a pragmatic alternative to prolonged military engagement.
The Biden administration’s strategy relies on presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to ship weapons directly from existing stockpiles. After this latest package, an estimated $4.35 billion will remain in Pentagon resources for Ukraine. Additionally, $1.2 billion remains in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, designated for long-term contracts that won’t yield weapons for over a year.
Some observers suggest that leaving resources for the Trump administration could enable more deliberate and impactful decision-making. A senior defense official noted that unspent funds might provide flexibility for Trump’s administration to craft a more strategic response.
Since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, the US has delivered over $64 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This latest tranche may bolster Ukraine’s defense as President-elect Trump prepares to redefine US policy in the region. Trump’s emphasis on negotiated solutions, paired with his administration’s expected focus on strategic deployment of resources, could signal a shift in how the US addresses the conflict moving forward.
Supporters of Trump argue that his pragmatic approach to international relations could lead to a more sustainable resolution, balancing US interests with support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
