U.S. President Joe Biden announced over $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine on Thursday, marking a significant commitment aimed at helping Kyiv in its fight against Russian forces. The announcement coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the U.S. capital, underscoring America’s support for Ukraine’s efforts in the ongoing conflict.
Among the assistance, the package includes the first delivery of a precision-guided glide bomb known as the Joint Standoff Weapon, which has a range of up to 81 miles (130 km). This medium-range missile represents a substantial boost to Ukraine’s existing arsenal, allowing strikes on Russian targets from a safer distance. The bomb, designed to hit targets with remarkable accuracy, is deployed from fighter aircraft. However, according to a U.S. official, Biden did not approve the use of American missiles to target areas deep within Russian territory.
Biden reaffirmed that supporting Ukraine has been a central focus for his administration since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of the new assistance package, saying, “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, who will be leaving office in January, made it clear that this aid is critical for Ukraine’s defense.
The majority of the aid, totaling $5.5 billion, will be allocated before the U.S. fiscal year ends on Monday, ensuring it is utilized before the funding authority expires. Another $2.4 billion will come from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which permits the purchase of weapons from private companies instead of using U.S. military inventory.
Biden explained that this aid package will enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, provide additional unmanned aerial systems, and boost air-to-ground munitions. Furthermore, it will support the country’s defense industry and ensure the maintenance and upkeep of its equipment. He also mentioned that the U.S. Department of Defense would refurbish and send Ukraine another Patriot air defense battery, along with more Patriot missiles.
Additionally, Biden has directed the Pentagon to expand the training program for Ukrainian pilots operating F-16 fighter jets. The new initiative will include training 18 more pilots next year to bolster Ukraine’s air capabilities.
The U.S. will also step up efforts to target Russia’s financial networks, particularly those circumventing sanctions, as well as disrupt illicit cryptocurrency operations. “We will act to disrupt what Biden called ‘a global cryptocurrency network, in coordination with international partners,'” he said.
Next month, Biden will convene a leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany to enhance coordination among the more than 50 nations supporting Ukraine.
Before meeting Biden, Zelenskyy is set to engage with both Democratic and Republican leaders at the U.S. Capitol. While Ukraine has historically enjoyed bipartisan backing, it remains uncertain how many Republicans will meet with Zelenskyy amid growing criticism of his administration from key party figures, including former President Donald Trump, who is campaigning for re-election.
Trump, a vocal critic of U.S. assistance to Ukraine, declined a meeting request from Zelenskyy. At a North Carolina rally, Trump harshly criticized the Ukrainian leader, stating, “We continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refused to make a deal, Zelenskiy.”
Trump also laid blame on Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for not preventing Russia’s invasion, reinforcing his critique of the current administration’s handling of the crisis.
Some Republican lawmakers have expressed frustration over Zelenskyy’s recent visit to a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden’s hometown. In response, the Republican-led House Oversight Committee launched an investigation into the trip.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has expressed dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy’s actions but is not expected to meet with him during the visit. Johnson has demanded the removal of Ukraine’s ambassador to Washington, accusing him of orchestrating the controversial Scranton visit. However, Johnson clarified that his demand was not an ultimatum regarding future military aid to Ukraine.
{Matzav.com}