• The United States has announced nearly US$6 billion in new aid for Ukraine, including US$2.5 billion in military assistance and US$3.4 billion in budget support.
• Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the importance of economic aid to maintain essential government services in Ukraine.
• This announcement comes as President Joe Biden seeks to bolster military support for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.
• The total U.S. assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion now exceeds US$175 billion, highlighting ongoing struggles against intensified Russian aggression.
• Yellen warns against potential funding cuts under Trump, stressing that “Ukraine’s success is in America’s core national interest.”

On Monday, the United States reiterated its commitment to Ukraine by announcing a significant increase in aid, comprising nearly US$6 billion in military and budgetary support. This includes US$2.5 billion earmarked for military assistance, as detailed by President Joe Biden, and US$3.4 billion in direct budget aid from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

The funding comes amidst ongoing Russian assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians, marking a critical time for economic support to help the government continue operating. Yellen noted that this latest disbursement is part of the final appropriations under the 2024 Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act.

Biden’s administration is making these unprecedented moves shortly before Trump’s inauguration, as many Republicans in Congress are expressing skepticism about continued military aid to Ukraine. Trump has previously indicated intentions to end the conflict swiftly, suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As tensions mount and military needs grow, Yellen reiterated that “Ukraine’s success is in America’s core national interest” and insisted on the necessity of maintaining budgetary support. The U.S. has now provided over US$30 billion in budget aid and approximately US$61.4 billion in security assistance since the conflict began in February 2022. Comparatively, this amount underscores the seriousness of the U.S. stance toward the ongoing war.

With the recent announcement, Biden also stressed that the aid would enhance Ukraine's “capabilities on the battlefield” while emphasizing the importance of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems.

As the timeline for international support hangs in the balance with the political transition on the horizon, both the future of U.S. involvement in the Ukraine conflict and the potential implications of Trump's presidency remain uncertain, pointing to a crucial period for Ukraine's defense and international relations.