Chicago December 28, 2024
The White House under President Joe Biden is set to give Ukraine an additional $1.25 billion in military help. This announcement, expected to happen on Monday, includes a lot of important equipment like missiles and artillery rounds to help Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
This new aid package includes items for air defense systems like the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK system, as well as Stinger missiles and different types of artillery shells. The decision follows an earlier support of $988 million from Biden earlier this month aimed at ensuring Ukraine can continue its fight.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke about the support for Ukraine at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, mentioning the support of past leaders like President Reagan for freedom and security. The Biden administration is eager to provide this support before Donald Trump, who has different views on the matter, becomes president in January.
President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have previously criticized the current level of support for Ukraine. Trump has hinted at a quick end to the conflict, while Vance has suggested Ukraine give up land to Russia, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not agree with.
The latest financial support is the 22nd time the Biden administration has sent aid to Ukraine. However, new funding challenges have arisen, with House Speaker Mike Johnson declining a request for $24 billion more, stating that decisions should wait until Trump takes office.
