Biden Announces $8 Billion Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Rising Republican Criticism

U.S. President Joe Biden has announced over $8 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including precision-guided glide bombs and air defense systems, to help Kyiv counter Russian forces. The announcement coincided with a visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and faces criticism from some Republicans.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced more than $8 billion in military assistance for Ukraine on Thursday to bolster Kyiv's defense against Russian invaders. The aid package includes the first shipment of a precision-guided glide bomb known as the Joint Standoff Weapon, boasting a range of up to 81 miles (130 km). This medium-range missile represents a significant upgrade for Ukrainian forces, allowing strikes from safer distances. Despite the aid, a U.S. official clarified that Washington would not permit Ukraine to use American missiles for deeper strikes into Russian territory.

Supporting Ukraine has been a top priority for the U.S. since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Biden said, "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." The bulk of the new aid, amounting to $5.5 billion, needs allocation before the U.S. fiscal year's end on Monday. An additional $2.4 billion falls under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, allowing weapon purchases directly from companies rather than U.S. stocks.

Under the new plan, the Defense Department will refurbish and provide Ukraine with an extra Patriot air defense battery and more missiles. Moreover, training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots will expand, including support for training an additional 18 pilots next year. Biden also plans to convene a leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group next month to coordinate with international partners. With bipartisan U.S. support for Ukraine's defense, Republican criticism, led by figures like Donald Trump, has been prominent. Trump has openly criticized Zelenskiy and opposed his requests for meetings, even as congressional Republicans investigate Zelenskiy's recent U.S. visit.

(With inputs from agencies.)