Outgoing US President Joe Biden has quietly submitted a request to Congress for an additional $24 billion in Ukraine-related funding, according to a report by Politico on November 26. This last-minute funding pitch, which includes $16 billion to replenish US weapons stocks and $8 billion to compensate American arms producers, has been described as a “long shot” due to its timing and political implications. The request comes just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office, raising concerns among critics about its impact on the incoming administration’s ability to shape foreign policy.
The additional $24 billion is intended to bolster Ukraine’s position in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The $16 billion allocated to backfill US military supplies highlights the strain placed on America’s stockpile by its substantial support for Kiev over the past two years. Meanwhile, the $8 billion earmarked for arms manufacturers underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to maintaining steady production pipelines for weapons systems critical to Ukraine’s defense.
The request was reportedly outlined in a document prepared by the White House Office of Management and Budget and sent to lawmakers on Capitol Hill on November 25. It marks Biden’s latest effort to secure funding for Ukraine as he approaches the end of his term. The administration has previously pledged to utilize every dollar already approved for Ukraine before Biden leaves office on January 20, further underscoring his dedication to the cause.
Just days before the funding request, Biden wrote off $4.7 billion in forgivable loans provided to Ukraine. These loans were part........