The White House plans to expedite billions in security assistance to Ukraine before President Joe Biden’s term concludes in January, aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s position ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, sources reported Wednesday.
A senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “The administration plans to push forward … to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible” before the term ends. Trump has consistently criticized Biden’s support for Ukraine, raising concerns about future U.S. assistance for President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government under Republican leadership in the White House, Senate, and possibly the House of Representatives.
The Republican-controlled House, which narrowly gained control in January 2023, remains uncertain of its status as final tallies from Tuesday’s elections are awaited. The House last approved Ukraine aid, allowing Biden to transfer billions in weapons from U.S. stocks, in April—with stronger support from Democrats than Republicans.
Of the weapons transfer authority granted in April, $4.3 billion remains, along with $2.8 billion in transfers approved under prior spending measures and $2 billion for purchasing new weaponry. The combined $9 billion is expected to be a significant boost to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
The administration’s intent to rush these transfers was initially reported by Politico, but the White House did not immediately comment. Over the coming months, the U.S. plans to continue supplying Ukraine with munitions and anti-tank weapons, including Javelins from Lockheed Martin and RTX, alongside more 155mm artillery from General Dynamics Corp and GMLRS surface-to-surface rockets used in the HIMARS system.
Analysts, however, caution that future support for Ukraine is uncertain under Republican control, especially as Ukraine faces battlefield setbacks. Brookings Institution fellow Scott Anderson remarked, “That’s going to be a problem when you go forward with additional funding for Ukraine, which at some point is going to be necessary.”
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declined to comment on Ukraine aid at a post-election press conference. Trump, campaigning for a second term, has asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have invaded Ukraine had he been in office, claiming he could resolve the conflict “in 24 hours.” Trump previously suggested that Kyiv might need to cede territory to reach peace—a proposal Ukraine has firmly rejected.
Vice President-elect Senator J.D. Vance has also been a vocal opponent of Ukraine assistance, contending that U.S. resources should focus on domestic priorities.
Source: Reuters