Biden-Harris admin to send nearly $1 billion more in aid to Ukraine

The Biden-Harris administration has announced a new aid package to Ukraine totaling nearly $1 billion, as President-elect Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in France on Saturday.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin revealed that the $988 million package, part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), is intended to assist Ukraine with more drones, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) rockets, and additional sustainment support, according to ABC News. Unlike previous assistance sourced from US military stockpiles for immediate delivery, this package funds contracts for manufacturing new systems for Ukraine.

"Together, we have helped Ukraine survive an all-out assault by the largest military in Europe," said Austin. "Meanwhile, Russia has paid a staggering price." He noted that Russia has suffered significant losses, with at least 700,000 casualties and over $200 billion in damages since the conflict began

This marks the 22nd aid package delivered under USAI by the Biden administration. However, it is unlikely that the Biden administration will be able to use the nearly $8 billion in Ukraine aid funding that is still available.

The urgency of sending more aid to Ukraine in recent weeks has been strategic, as the administration apparently seeks to bolster Ukraine ahead of Trump’s presidency, with expectations that aid may diminish under his leadership. Trump has consistently expressed skepticism about US involvement in the conflict, also pledging during his campaign to resolve the war within days of taking office.

Trump spoke with Zelensky during his visit to France for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Ahead of the event, Trump met with both French President Emmanuel Macron and Zelensky.