The Biden administration is racing to provide substantial military aid to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, raising concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
At a Glance
- The U.S. is sending at least $275 million in new weapons to Ukraine, including antipersonnel land mines.
- President Biden authorized Ukraine to use longer-range missiles and antipersonnel land mines.
- Some U.S. weapons deliveries may occur after Biden’s term ends in January.
- Concerns are rising about potential escalation in the conflict.
- Trump has criticized U.S. support for Ukraine and suggested Ukraine should cede territory to Russia.
Accelerated Aid Efforts
The Pentagon is ramping up its efforts to provide Ukraine with crucial military support as the Biden administration seeks to solidify its commitment before the potential shift in leadership. A new $275 million security assistance package was announced on November 20, including munitions for rocket systems, artillery rounds, and anti-tank weapons. This package is part of a broader push to allocate remaining funds and deliver essential equipment to Ukraine.
The aid package includes antipersonnel land mines that become inert after battery depletion, air defense munitions, Javelin anti-armor munitions, and drones. These weapons are being provided through the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows for quick transfer from Pentagon stockpiles. Additionally, the State Department has authorized a $100 million sale of defense equipment and services to Ukraine, which Ukraine will pay for.
Logistical Challenges and Timeframes
While some equipment can reach Ukraine quickly through the PDA, other capabilities may take months or even years to arrive under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh explained the complex nature of these deliveries, stating that some materiel may need refurbishment before delivery.
“We are committed to using that full authority that Congress has allotted to us” – Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh
As of November, the U.S. has approximately $9 billion left for military assistance to Ukraine, with $7 billion available under PDA and $2.2 billion under USAI. The Department of Defense is committed to allocating all remaining PDA funds before January 20, with the total depending on Ukraine’s defense needs and logistics.
Concerns Over Future Support
The accelerated aid efforts come amid growing concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine under a potential Trump administration. Trump has criticized U.S. involvement in the conflict and suggested that Ukraine should cede territory to Russia to end the war. This stance has raised alarms among current administration officials and Ukraine supporters.
If the incoming Trump administration decides to stop remaining deliveries, they would need to de-obligate aid previously committed by the Biden administration. This potential shift in policy has added urgency to the current efforts to provide support to Ukraine.
Delivery Progress and Impact
Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made in delivering aid to Ukraine. Between April and mid-October, the U.S. delivered 83% of committed munitions, 67% of critical air defense commitments, and 60% of artillery and close air support capabilities. These deliveries included hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of armored vehicles, munitions for HIMARS, antitank weapons, and substantial air defense capabilities.
The impact of this support has been evident on the battlefield. Ukraine successfully used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike an ammunition supply in Russia, with most missiles hitting their target. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the aid in bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russian aggression.
Some US weapons may be delivered to Ukraine after Biden's term ends, Pentagon sayshttps://t.co/AWv1KCdgFj
— AlexandruC4 (@AlexandruC4) November 20, 2024
As the conflict continues and the U.S. political landscape potentially shifts, the future of military aid to Ukraine remains uncertain. The current administration’s push to solidify support before the potential change in leadership underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in this ongoing crisis.
Sources:
US will send Ukraine at least $275 million in new weapons in push to bolster Kyiv before Trump
Pentagon Ramps Up Weapon Deliveries to Ukraine Before Biden’s Term Ends
Some US weapons may be delivered to Ukraine after Biden’s term ends, Pentagon says
