Biden Administration Sends $61 Billion in Aid to Ukraine in Response to Russia's Christmas Attack
In response to Russia's Christmas Day attack, US President Joe Biden has taken swift action to increase military aid to Ukraine. The goal of this surge in aid is to ensure that President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20, does not reduce support to Ukraine once he assumes the presidency.
On December 25, Russia launched drone and missile attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The attack resulted in at least six injuries and one death, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemning the assault as a barbaric act. The timing of the attack was particularly significant, as Ukraine has been observing Christmas on December 25 for the past two years, a date previously celebrated on January 7, like Russia, due to the ongoing war.
In response to the attack, Biden reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine. A statement from the White House condemned Russia's actions, stating that the purpose of the attack was to cut off heat and electricity supplies to the Ukrainian people during the winter. Biden also mentioned that air defense missiles had been sent to Ukraine, with more aid on the way.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the United States has provided $61 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. In December alone, the US announced multiple military aid packages, including drones, missile systems, and ammunition, sent through the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
The Biden administration is now working to secure additional military aid for Ukraine, but concerns remain that a Republican-controlled Congress and Trump's opposition to further assistance may limit the support the US can send in the future.
However, the Biden administration still has significant funds available for Ukraine, with approximately $4 billion to $5 billion remaining in the PDA and another $2.2 billion under the USAI.
The Biden administration is rushing to send aid to Ukraine, fearing that once Trump assumes office, he may cut support for Ukraine.
