In a major show of support for Ukraine, US President Joe Biden announced a massive $8 billion military aid package on Thursday, aiming to help Kyiv “win this war” against Russian invaders. The announcement came during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington, marking a significant commitment to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
This latest aid package includes a crucial element: the first shipment of a precision-guided glide bomb known as the Joint Standoff Weapon. With a range of up to 81 miles (130 km), this medium-range missile provides Ukraine with a significant upgrade to its arsenal, allowing Ukrainian forces to strike Russian targets at safer distances. The bomb, capable of hitting targets with high accuracy, is designed to be dropped from fighter jets.
While Biden made no announcement about allowing Ukraine to use US missiles to target deeper within Russia, he emphasized the unwavering US commitment to supporting Ukraine. “That is why, today, I am announcing a surge in security assistance for Ukraine and a series of additional actions to help Ukraine win this war,” Biden stated. The bulk of this new aid, $5.5 billion, is set to be allocated before the end of the US fiscal year on Monday, while another $2.4 billion is designated under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This initiative allows the administration to purchase weapons for Ukraine from companies rather than depleting US stockpiles.
The aid package also includes provisions for strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities with additional Patriot air defense systems and missiles. Moreover, Biden has ordered the Pentagon to expand training programs for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, including training an additional 18 pilots next year.
Beyond military support, Biden also outlined plans to address Russian sanctions evasion and money laundering efforts. The US will take steps to disrupt what Biden described as “a global cryptocurrency network,” collaborating with international partners.
To further coordinate efforts, Biden announced plans to convene a leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany next month. This meeting will bring together representatives from over 50 countries supporting Ukraine’s defense.
Zelenskyy, before meeting with Biden, is scheduled to meet with Democratic and Republican leaders in the US Capitol. While Ukraine’s defense has received bipartisan support in the US, there are growing criticisms of Zelenskyy’s government from some Republican leaders, including Donald Trump.
Trump, who has been critical of Zelenskyy during his campaign for the November 5 election, declined a request for a meeting. He criticized Zelenskyy at a campaign rally in North Carolina, stating, “We continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refused to make a deal, Zelenskyy.” Trump also blamed Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for Russia’s invasion.
Further fueling tensions, many congressional Republicans expressed anger over Zelenskyy’s visit to a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden’s hometown, on Sunday. The Republican-led House of Representatives Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into Zelenskyy’s trip. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican who is not expected to meet with Zelenskyy on Thursday, demanded that Zelenskyy fire his ambassador to Washington for planning the Scranton trip. However, Johnson clarified that this demand was not a threat to oppose military aid to Ukraine.
