As President Joe Biden’s term winds down and the January 20 inauguration of Donald Trump approaches, the Biden administration has unveiled its final military aid package for Ukraine. Valued at approximately $500 million, the tranche reflects Biden’s commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defenses before leaving office.
Details of the Aid Package
The $500 million package, announced under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), includes missiles for air defense, air-to-ground munitions, and critical equipment for Ukraine’s use of F-16 fighter jets. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was expected to discuss the package at the last meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
US officials emphasized that this aid aims to provide Ukraine with maximum leverage ahead of potential negotiations to end the conflict with Russia in 2025. The package also exhausts the funds appropriated by Congress for Ukraine, signaling the administration’s effort to fully utilize available resources before Biden departs office.
Upcoming Sanctions on Russia
In tandem with the aid announcement, the White House is preparing a fresh round of sanctions against Russia, expected to be unveiled later this week. While the specifics remain unclear, officials suggest these sanctions will target Russia’s economy, which has already been battered by US-led measures. Inflation and interest rates have soared in Russia, and its long-term economic competitiveness has significantly diminished.
The sanctions are not being coordinated with the incoming Trump administration, though they will be responsible for enforcing them.
Biden-Zelensky Meeting Canceled
A planned meeting between President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome was unexpectedly canceled late Wednesday. The White House cited the need to focus on the wildfires ravaging California as the reason for the change in plans.
This meeting would have been Biden’s final direct engagement with Zelensky, occurring just over a month before the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Administration officials have highlighted the symbolic importance of showing steadfast US support for Ukraine during Biden’s remaining weeks in office.
Preparing for 2025 Negotiations
The Biden administration believes that early 2025 could bring a window for potential peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, regardless of who governs in Washington. Officials argue that the goal of US policy is to strengthen Ukraine’s position before talks begin.
President-elect Trump’s incoming envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, recently stated on Fox News that he aims to achieve a “solvable solution” within 100 days of taking office. This signals a possible shift in US strategy under the next administration.
Legacy of Support
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration has provided over $65 billion in aid to Ukraine. This assistance has included weaponry, humanitarian support, and sanctions aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to sustain its war effort.
As Biden prepares to exit the world stage, his administration seeks to leave behind a fortified Ukraine and a Russian economy increasingly strained by international pressure. What lies ahead remains uncertain, but the groundwork laid in these final days may shape the trajectory of the conflict in the coming days.
