Biden Approves $6 Billion In Ukraine Aid As Trump Promises A New Approach

As President Joe Biden’s term nears its end, his administration’s decision to provide nearly $6 billion in military aid to Ukraine is unlikely to sit well with President-Elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in on January 20 as the 47th President of the United States.

Details of the Aid Package

The 46th President Joe Biden recently announced a $2.5 billion security assistance package for Ukraine, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen confirmed an additional $3.4 billion in budgetary aid for the war-torn country. This substantial aid package is aimed at supporting Ukraine in its resistance against Russia’s fresh attacks on civilians and infrastructure.

Biden, drawing $1.25 billion from U.S. stockpiles and $1.22 billion from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), reiterated his commitment: “At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office.”

Trump’s Criticism and Vision for Peace

Meanwhile, President-Elect Donald Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with this approach. Trump, who has consistently advocated for peace in the region, criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict, calling it a failure. He has claimed that the war would never have started under his presidency and has pledged to end the ongoing conflict immediately upon taking office.

The Broader Context of U.S. Aid

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago, the U.S. Congress has approved a staggering $175 billion in assistance, according to the non-partisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

In the latest developments, Russia has intensified its military offensive on Kyiv, reportedly bolstered by North Korean troops. Biden emphasized that the new aid package will deliver “an immediate influx of capabilities that Ukraine continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems.”

Uncertainty Under Trump’s Administration

As Trump prepares to take office, uncertainty looms over Washington’s future stance on the conflict. Trump has repeatedly criticized the U.S. government’s heavy financial involvement, arguing that European nations should bear a greater share of the burden. 

How his administration will handle this ongoing war remains to be seen, but his recent bold statements, including Trump's threats to Panama over control of the iconic canal and sharp criticism of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—signal a potential shift toward a more confrontational and America-first foreign policy.