The Biden administration is expediting the delivery of weapons to Ukraine as it nears the end of its term, aiming to strengthen Kyiv’s position for 2025. This move comes as President-elect Donald Trump voices strong disapproval of a recent U.S. decision allowing Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons to strike within Russia.
On Thursday, the Biden administration announced a new $500 million aid package, tapping directly into U.S. military stocks. This includes artillery rounds, rockets, armored vehicles, and other critical equipment. A senior administration official stated that efforts are underway to ensure Ukraine receives these assets by mid-January.
“Between now and mid-January, we will deliver to Ukraine hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, hundreds of armored vehicles, and other critical capabilities,” the official said.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is spearheading the interagency effort, with close coordination from the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was instructed in November to expedite the transfer of equipment, resulting in an extensive series of airlifts and sealifts to meet the deadline.
Despite the urgency, U.S. officials maintain that no American troops will be deployed to Ukraine. The weapons are being transported through Europe as they have been throughout the conflict. The push for deliveries is also intended to maximize the nearly $7 billion in Congressional funding before the Biden administration’s term concludes.
Trump’s Strong Criticism
In a recent interview with Time Magazine, Trump criticized Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike within Russia using U.S.-provided weapons, calling it a “very big mistake.” Trump argued that this approach only escalates the conflict.
“We’re just escalating this war and making it worse,” Trump said. “That should not have been allowed to be done. Now they’re doing not only missiles but other types of weapons. I think that’s a very big mistake.”
As the incoming administration prepares for its term, Trump’s stance signals a potential shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine. His pick for National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, is reportedly exploring peace proposals, including one from retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg. This plan suggests that U.S. aid should be contingent on Ukraine’s participation in peace talks with Russia.
Another proposal under consideration would allow Russia to retain currently occupied territories in exchange for Ukraine’s NATO membership, an idea likely to face pushback from Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism about working with Trump, stating that he believes the war could end faster under his leadership.
Manpower Shortages in Ukraine
A major challenge for Ukraine, according to U.S. officials, is manpower. A senior official revealed that Kyiv is not recruiting or training enough soldiers to maintain its front-line units. The Biden administration has offered to train newly mobilized Ukrainian soldiers at sites outside of Ukraine if Kyiv increases its recruitment efforts.
“Ukraine is not currently mobilizing or training enough soldiers to staff its front-line units,” the official stated. “If Ukraine mobilizes additional soldiers and sends them to training sites outside of Ukraine, we will train them.”
As Biden accelerates aid to Ukraine, Trump’s critical stance hints at a policy shift once he takes office. With differing strategies, the future of U.S. support for Ukraine remains uncertain.
