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

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.