Joe Biden, in the twilight of his presidency, has announced a whopping $2.5 billion in additional security aid for Ukraine, making one final push to bolster Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. It’s a parting gesture that feels less like strategy and more like an effort to cement a legacy—or perhaps to complicate Trump’s incoming administration. Biden declared his intent to “strengthen Ukraine’s position” during his remaining time in office, framing the move as a last-ditch effort to tilt the balance in a conflict nearing its three-year mark.
The package includes $1.25 billion in military aid sourced directly from U.S. stockpiles and an additional $1.22 billion under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). The latter program, which procures equipment from the defense industry or international partners, won’t deliver immediate results, as it could take months or even years for those supplies to reach the battlefield. While Biden touts this as a necessary measure, the timing and scale raise questions about whether this is about aiding Ukraine or boxing in his successor.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, the situation continues to escalate. Russia, seemingly stretched thin, has reportedly turned to North Korean troops to bolster its ranks—a desperate move that hasn’t gone unnoticed. According to White House reports, these reinforcements have suffered severe casualties, with 1,000 killed or wounded in just one week in the Kursk region. As Biden announces this new wave of military aid, the underlying message is clear: the U.S. remains deeply committed to this conflict, at least for now. However, with Trump poised to take over, that commitment may be up for debate.
Trump, for his part, has made it no secret that he’s skeptical of the current level of U.S. involvement. Campaigning on promises to end the war swiftly, he has questioned why European allies aren’t footing more of the bill. With Republicans soon to control both the House and Senate, there’s a growing sentiment within the GOP that the U.S. has done more than its fair share. This shift in tone suggests that Ukraine may face a different kind of relationship with Washington come January 20.
Biden’s announcement also highlighted the types of aid being sent—hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and armored vehicles. The aim, according to Biden, is to give Ukraine a strong position heading into the winter months. Yet, with a total of $175 billion already committed to Ukraine, one has to wonder how long this pace of spending can—or will—continue. For now, Biden’s final moves seem designed to tie a bow on his Ukraine policy, but they could just as easily tie Trump’s hands, setting up a political and strategic clash as the new administration steps in.
