Biden issues $8bln military aid for Kiev, including 130km-range bombs
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The package includes $5.5 billion that would be allocated next Monday before the end of the US fiscal year.
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Ukrainian servicemen move US-made FIM-92 Stinger missiles and other military assistance shipped from Lithuania to Boryspil Airport in Kiev, on February 13, 2022 (AFP)
US President Joe Biden unveiled over $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine on Thursday, emphasizing that the support is aimed at helping Kiev "win [the] war" with Russia.
The announcement coincided with a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the US. The Ukrainian president will meet with Democratic and Republican leaders at the Capitol prior to his meeting with Biden.
This assistance package includes the first delivery of a precision-guided glide bomb, known as the Joint Standoff Weapon, which has a range of up to 130 kilometers.
Read more: Russia-Ukraine war could continue beyond 2026: UK Foreign Minister
This would significantly boost Ukraine's ability to carry out strikes further inside Russian territory, a move Moscow has warned could escalate the conflict and expand the war. It also suggests a shift in Washington's policy, indicating unannounced approval for Kiev to utilize US-provided advanced weaponry to target areas deeper within Russia.
'A global cryptocurrency network'
The bulk of the new aid, $5.5 billion, is to be allocated before Monday's end of the US fiscal year, when the funding authority is set to expire. Another $2.4 billion is under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows the administration to buy weapons for Ukraine from companies - primarily American ones - rather than pull them from US stocks.
"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," said Biden.
As part of his proposal, the President stated that the Defense Department will restore and deliver an additional Patriot air defense battery, along with extra Patriot missiles to Ukraine.
Read more: Sweden pledges military aid, Gripen fighter jets parts to Ukraine
Biden also instructed the Pentagon to increase the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots, with plans to train an additional 18 pilots in the coming year.
The United States, in collaboration with international partners, will take action to disrupt what President Biden described as "a global cryptocurrency network" used for Russian sanctions evasion and alleged money laundering.
Additionally, Biden announced that he will organize a leader-level summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany next month, aiming to unify the efforts of over 50 nations supporting Ukraine.
Firing Ukraine's ambassador to the US
However, it remains uncertain how many Republicans will agree to meet with Zelensky, as criticism of Kiev grows among party leaders, including Donald Trump.
Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the Ukrainian President and has so far declined Zelenskiy's request for a meeting.
During a campaign rally in North Carolina on Wednesday, Trump expressed strong disapproval of Zelensky, stating, "We continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refused to make a deal, Zelensky."
Read more: Homelessness reaches record highs among Ukrainians at home, abroad
Additionally, many Republicans in Congress were outraged by Zelensky's recent visit to a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden’s hometown. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee has since launched an investigation into the Ukrainian President's trip.
Trump also held President Biden and Democrat presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris accountable for allowing Russia's war to take place.
Rep. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is not expected to meet with Zelensky on Thursday, called on the Ukrainian President to sack his ambassador to Washington over the planning of the Scranton visit.
However, he reassured the Ukrainians that this diplomatic issue is not linked to the provision of military aid to Ukraine.
