Chicago January 10, 2025
The United States is set to unveil new sanctions targeting Russia’s economy, according to a US official. This move aims to bolster Ukraine’s war effort against Moscow before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.
In a separate development, the Biden administration announced $500 million in new military aid for Ukraine, including air defense missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and support equipment for F-16 fighter jets. This aid package is part of the US efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield, giving them leverage for potential negotiations with Russia.
The new sanctions are expected to target Russia’s oil revenues, which fund its war on Ukraine. The US official did not provide details on the specific sanctions but mentioned that Biden aides are briefing Trump’s aides on the steps they are taking.
Ukraine’s critical munitions stockpiles are now in a healthy position, with most of the promised weapons and munitions delivered or on the way. However, US officials acknowledge that these efforts have not yielded significant gains for Ukraine on the battlefield. To address this, Ukraine may require security commitments, including potential NATO membership, to deter future Russian assaults.
