Espreso. Global

Biden administration races to send $6 billion in aid to Ukraine ahead of Trump inauguration

7 November, 2024 Thursday
10:24

The Biden administration plans to allocate the remaining $6 billion in military aid to Ukraine before the Trump administration takes power

client/title.list_title

According to Politico, the current administration aims to use the last of the $6 billion in security assistance for Ukraine by January 20 — the date of newly elected President Donald Trump’s inauguration. This push is driven by concerns that the flow of weapons could halt once Trump takes office.

Two officials in the Biden administration, speaking anonymously, described this plan as the only viable way for the White House to ensure continued support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. However, they cautioned that it often takes months for weapons and equipment to reach Ukraine after an aid package is announced. So, it’s unclear if items approved in the coming weeks will arrive in full before the Trump administration can potentially halt deliveries.

The officials also noted a significant challenge: the U.S. can only send equipment that’s "already on its shelves." While the funds can reimburse the Pentagon for the gear, there’s still the question of how quickly new artillery shells and weapons can be manufactured or contracts awarded to replace what’s shipped.

"We have been sending whatever industry can produce each month, but the problem is you can only send these things as they are produced," said Mark Cancian, a former DOD budget official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He added that sending more would impact the Pentagon’s own readiness, making it unclear if they would push further.

The remaining funds from April’s $61 billion Ukraine aid package are split into two segments: $4.3 billion to replenish current stockpiles and $2.1 billion to purchase weapons from American defense contractors.

  • Trump, along with Vice President-elect JD Vance, has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for pouring billions into Ukraine’s defense while Europe’s combined aid barely matches the U.S. contribution. Trump has pledged to negotiate an end to the war, hinting that he may use withheld military aid as leverage over Kyiv and Moscow.
  • Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, voiced confidence that Trump will swiftly bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Thursday
13 February
13:56
Zelenskyy imposes sanctions against Ukraine’s former President Poroshenko
13:38
Exclusive
"Unprecedented case in nuclear energy history": Expert on Ukraine buying reactors from Bulgaria
13:15
Poland warns Ukraine not to expect NATO invitation to “fall from the sky”
12:54
Trump's ex-advisor: Kremlin drinks vodka straight from bottle after Trump-Putin talk
12:35
Around 7,000 civilians remain in Ukraine’s Pokrovsk as evacuation continues
12:15
Review
Return to pre-war borders is unrealistic: New Pentagon chief's statements at Ramstein and Ukraine's stance. Serhiy Zgurets' column
11:52
Russian forces block water and humanitarian aid deliveries to civilians in frontline areas
11:35
"Putin would say he won": Trump says he'll keep supporting Ukraine
11:16
Russian civilians evacuated to Ukraine after Russia’s deadly strike on shelter
10:54
116 clashes occur at front on Feb. 12: Russia launches over 5,000 strikes on Ukraine
10:33
European countries and Ukraine demand a say in any peace talks
10:15
Exclusive
Russian troops attempt to fully sever Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka highway
09:56
U.S. envoy Kellogg to visit Ukraine for “tough diplomacy” — U.S. State Department
09:36
Russia loses 1,250 soldiers, 17 tanks, 58 artillery systems in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Wednesday
12 February
22:00
Russia launches record number of strikes on Donetsk region since war started
21:45
Exclusive
Russian army does not hesitate to drop bombs on its citizens: Ukrainian military on Kursk sector
21:33
Exclusive
How Ukraine shoots down ballistic missiles may remain classified
21:21
F-16 with JASSM-ER, illustrative photo
First F-16 photo during combat mission in Ukraine emerges online — what does it reveal?
21:10
Ukrainian priest in Pennsylvania: Trump himself will decide to stand by Ukraine
21:00
Zelenskyy and Trump hold talks
20:50
Russia blocks IAEA experts' rotation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant – Ukraine's MFA
20:40
Zelenskyy: Work on Trump’s plan to end Ukraine war likely to start in February
20:26
Ukraine wins 16 medals at 2025 Invictus Games
20:11
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, February 5-12
Russia is forced to retreat in some areas of Pokrovsk sector
19:51
UK pledges £150 million in military aid to Ukraine
19:36
“I prayed for Trump's protection at rally before assassination attempt” — Jason Sharron, Ukrainian priest in Pennsylvania
19:25
NATO membership for Ukraine is unrealistic, says U.S. Defense Secretary Hagseth
19:10
Exclusive
Russia training surviving North Korean soldiers to reinforce troops in Kursk region
18:49
NATO must ensure negotiation results that Putin can’t overturn in six months or year – Rutte
18:11
600,000 Ukrainian children trapped in occupied territories: over 40,000 still enrolled in Ukrainian schools
18:00
Interview
Ukrainian Catholic Church priest in Pennsylvania on beauty of Ukrainian traditions and why Trump can be helpful for Ukraine
17:50
Supporting Ukraine is top foreign policy priority — Sweden’s top diplomat
17:32
'Putin will lose if he attacks NATO': Rutte on Russian threat in Europe
17:15
Exclusive
"Much hinges on Kellogg's meeting with Zelenskyy's team" regarding Trump's peace plan — Ukrainian MP
16:51
NATO Secretary General Rutte announces new military aid for Ukraine
16:37
White House power struggle: Trump ally Witkoff’s Moscow move sparks clash over Ukraine policy
16:15
China assists Russian drone production with smuggled Western parts — Estonian intel
15:53
Zelenskyy says assassination attempts on him led to deaths in President's Office
15:42
Exclusive
European allies to announce new military aid after Ramstein meeting — Espreso correspondent
15:30
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, February 5-12
February 5-12 live war map: Ukrainian counterattacks yield results 
More news