U.S. President Joe Biden announced over $8 billion in new military assistance for Ukraine on Thursday, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to helping Kyiv “win this war” against Russia. The announcement came during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House, where Biden underscored the importance of the U.S.’s support.
Precision-Guided Weapons and Air Defence Support
The aid package includes a major upgrade for Ukraine’s arsenal, featuring the first shipment of precision-guided glide bombs known as the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW).
These medium-range bombs have a range of up to 81 miles (130 km) and can be launched from fighter jets to strike targets with high accuracy from a safer distance.
Biden’s plan also includes an additional $5.5 billion in funding before the U.S. fiscal year ends on Monday, along with $2.4 billion through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This initiative allows the U.S. to purchase weapons directly for Ukraine from manufacturers, ensuring long-term support for Ukraine’s defence needs.
The package will include air defence systems, unmanned aerial systems, air-to-ground munitions, and expanded training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots.
Biden confirmed that Ukraine will receive another Patriot air defence battery and more Patriot missiles, while also ordering the Pentagon to expand F-16 pilot training.
U.S. Focus On Combating Sanctions Evasion
In addition to military aid, Biden announced steps to combat Russian sanctions evasion and money laundering, including efforts to disrupt a global cryptocurrency network involved in evasion activities. These actions will be carried out in coordination with international partners.
Biden also revealed plans to convene a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Germany next month, bringing together more than 50 countries to coordinate further support for Ukraine.
Political Reactions And Republican Criticism
While Ukraine’s defence has enjoyed bipartisan support in the U.S., growing criticism from some Republican leaders poses challenges. Former President Donald Trump, a leading Republican presidential candidate, has been vocal in his disapproval of U.S. aid to Ukraine.
Trump criticised Zelenskyy at a campaign rally, blaming him for not making a deal to end the war. He also accused Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of allowing the Russian invasion.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has also expressed displeasure with Zelenskyy’s recent visit to a Pennsylvania munitions factory, which prompted an investigation by the House Oversight Committee. Despite this, Johnson indicated that his opposition was not a direct threat to future military aid for Ukraine.
As Zelenskyy met with Biden, he also planned discussions with Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress, hoping to solidify continued support amid political divisions in Washington.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
