President Joe Biden has condemned Russia’s Christmas Day attack on Ukraine, calling it “outrageous” and stating that its purpose was to deprive Ukrainians of heat, electricity, and safety during winter. In response, Biden has asked the US Defense Department to continue its surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
This move comes after Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy system and cities using cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as drones. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the US has committed a significant $175 billion in aid to Ukraine.
The US has been providing substantial security assistance to Ukraine, including:
- Air Defense Systems: Patriot air defense batteries, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), and HAWK air defense systems.
- Artillery and Ammunition: High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm Howitzers, and precision-guided artillery rounds.
- Vehicles and Equipment: Abrams tanks, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers, and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles.
The US has also provided significant funding for Ukraine’s military, including $4.65 billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and $12.1 billion in security assistance under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
As the conflict continues, the international community remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office on January 20, it remains to be seen how US policy towards Ukraine will evolve.
