President Biden announces $2.5 billion aid package for Ukraine

(Dan Tri) - US President Joe Biden has directed the current administration to increase support for Ukraine as much as possible before Mr. Trump takes office.

US President Joe Biden affirmed that Washington will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen Ukraine's position (Photo: AFP).

US President Joe Biden announced on December 30 that Washington will provide a defense aid package worth about $2.5 billion to Ukraine.

"Since Russia launched its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022, my top priority has been to provide Ukraine with the support they need to win," Biden said.

"Today's aid package includes $1.25 billion in additional support for the Ukrainian military and $1.22 billion from the USAI Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative," Biden added.

Before President Biden made his announcement today, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said on December 29 that US support was “very meaningful” for forces fighting against Russia’s military campaign.

According to Mr. Biden, the new financial support package will, on the one hand, help the Ukrainian Army strengthen its current capabilities on the battlefield, but on the other hand, will also provide Kiev with air defense systems, artillery and many other important weapons in the long term.

The United States remains the largest aid donor to Ukraine. With this final disbursement, the US Department of Defense has allocated all remaining funds under the USAI program, which Congress approved an additional $60 billion in April.

President Biden has directed his administration to provide as much assistance as possible to Ukraine before his term ends.

"The US Department of Defense is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery shells, thousands of missiles and hundreds of armored vehicles to strengthen Ukraine as winter approaches," Biden said.

President Biden affirmed that Washington will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen Ukraine's position in the war before Mr. Trump takes office on January 20, 2025.

During the election campaign, Mr. Trump repeatedly questioned the extent of US involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, and argued that European allies should shoulder more financial responsibility.

The stance has raised concerns among Ukraine supporters in Washington about the future of US aid packages under a second-term Donald Trump administration.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/tong-thong-biden-cong-bo-goi-vien-tro-25-ty-usd-cho-ukraine-20241230205231394.htm