U.S. President Joe Biden announced over $8 billion in military assistance for Ukraine on Thursday, aiming to bolster Kyiv’s efforts to combat Russian invaders during a visit from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. This commitment marks a significant escalation in support as the conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, continues.
Among the key components of the aid is the first shipment of the Joint Standoff Weapon, a precision-guided glide bomb capable of striking targets from a distance of up to 81 miles (130 km). This medium-range missile will enable Ukraine to engage Russian forces with greater safety and accuracy, though Biden did not indicate that the U.S. would allow Ukraine to use American missiles to target deeper into Russia.
Biden emphasized the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating, “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.” A substantial portion of the new aid—$5.5 billion—is intended to be allocated before the conclusion of the U.S. fiscal year on Monday, when funding authority is set to expire.
The remaining $2.4 billion will be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows the U.S. government to purchase weapons for Ukraine from American manufacturers rather than drawing from military stocks. This funding will enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, supply unmanned aerial systems, and support its defense industrial base.
Additionally, Biden announced plans for the Defense Department to refurbish and provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense battery, as well as expand training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, with a focus on supporting the training of 18 more pilots next year.
In response, President Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the military aid package, assuring that Ukraine would use the resources “in the most efficient and transparent manner.” He highlighted the critical importance of items such as the Patriot battery, drones, and long-range missiles for protecting the Ukrainian people.
Republican Criticism and Bipartisan Support
Zelenskiy met with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers prior to his meeting with Biden, seeking support amid rising criticism of his government from some Republican leaders, including former President Donald Trump. Trump has criticized Zelenskiy during his campaign for the upcoming November election, stating, “We continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refused to make a deal.”
Some congressional Republicans have voiced frustration over Zelenskiy’s recent trip to a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania. House Speaker Mike Johnson has even called for Zelenskiy to fire his ambassador to Washington due to the visit, though he reassured that this demand does not threaten ongoing military aid to Ukraine.
In addition to military support, Biden announced actions to combat Russian sanctions evasion and money laundering, including plans to disrupt a global cryptocurrency network in coordination with international partners. A leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group is scheduled for next month in Germany to further coordinate efforts among the more than 50 countries supporting Ukraine.
