President Biden has approved another $500 million in military aid for Ukraine just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Key Facts:
• The announced aid totals $500 million, bringing the number of military assistance packages under Biden to 74 since August 2021.
• Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made the statement at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• The latest package includes support equipment for F-16 fighter jets, armored bridging systems, small arms, ammunition, and spare parts.
• The spending drawdown leaves about $3.85 billion in available Ukraine funding for the incoming administration to utilize if desired.
The Rest of The Story:
Officials say the purpose of this final round of support is to give Ukraine more defensive tools in its war against Russia.
During a gathering of nations backing Ukraine, Austin warned that Vladimir Putin’s ambitions could grow if Ukraine falls.
He described the fight as critical not just for Kyiv’s survival, but for the security of Europe and beyond.
Zelenskyy called on the next U.S. administration to stay engaged, urging continued help until his country secures its borders from Russian forces.
In recent months, allied nations have accelerated their weapons manufacturing and transfers to ensure they do not run low on supplies if the war drags on.
Ukraine has received various forms of U.S. aid since 2022, including missiles, ammunition, tanks, and humanitarian supplies.
Biden’s decision now puts the Trump White House in a position to decide how much further assistance the U.S. will provide.
Even so, Zelenskyy insisted that momentum is building and that stopping now would make little sense given the ground Ukraine has covered.
BREAKING: Biden just authorized $500 million in aid to Californians who lost everything in the fires.
jk. That was for Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/CgdYewNy7O
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 8, 2025
The Bottom Line:
Ukraine continues to depend heavily on U.S. support in its fight against Russian aggression.
With a new president set to take office, the future of American aid is less certain.
For Zelenskyy keeping this coalition together is a top priority.
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The choice ultimately rests with the incoming Trump administration and Congress.