With the arrival of Donald Trump as President-elect looming, the Biden administration is making one last effort to bolster support for Ukraine amid the war with Russia. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pledged to send as much military aid as possible to Ukraine before the presidential transition takes place on January 20.
During his recent trip to Brussels, where he converged with European security officials, Blinken expressed the urgency of this mission, stating, "President Biden is committed to make sure every dollar we have at our disposal will be pushed out the door between now and Jan. 20." This statement reflects the administration's concern about the potential policy changes Trump could implement, especially considering his past remarks questioning U.S. support for Ukraine.
Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, the United States has been one of Ukraine's most significant allies, providing approximately $174 billion in aid and military support through April 2024, according to the Government Accountability Office. This massive infusion of funds has included various forms of military assistance as Ukraine continues to battle Russian forces.
Trump has previously declared his belief the war would not have erupted if he were still president, claiming he has the ability to swiftly end the conflict—though specifics on how he would achieve this remain unclear. When pressed about his strategy during his campaign, Trump remarked, "I can’t give you those plans because if I give you those plans, I’m not going to be able to use them." This vagueness around his intentions has led to skepticism among some allies.
Despite Trump's assertions, the Biden administration is determined to maintain Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Blinken highlighted the importance of arming Ukraine adequately to either fight effectively against Russia or negotiate peace terms from a position of strength. His remarks come at a pivotal time as the Ukrainian government is striving to sustain momentum against Russian aggression.
Trump's transition team disclosed intentions to push for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on his first day of office. His platform includes leveraging his reported amicable relationships with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to broker peace discussions. This has raised concerns within Ukraine and among European allies, many fearing painful concessions might be demanded from Kyiv.
Adding to the tensions, recent statements from the Kremlin have cast doubt on Trump's proclaimed support for Ukraine. Following Trump’s election victory, Putin referred to the former president as "a brave man" and emphasized his statements on improving relations with Russia should be taken seriously.
Meanwhile, Zelensky was among the first global leaders to congratulate Trump after his election win, expressing optimism for continued cooperation. He tweeted about having had "an excellent call" with Trump, and both leaders reportedly agreed to engage closely to fortify U.S.-Ukraine relations. Yet, underlying this diplomacy is the undeniable apprehension about what Trump's administration will mean for Ukraine's defense strategy.
European officials are already strategizing contingency plans to secure support for Ukraine regardless of the incoming administration's approach. NATO has been working on mechanisms to sustain what many refer to as the "Trump-proof" framework of defense assistance, ensuring continuous support for Ukraine should U.S. aid become uncertain.
With January fast approaching, the Biden administration is racing against the clock to make sure Ukraine has the resources it needs to be prepared for any potential shifts. This final push for aid emphasizes the high stakes involved—not just for Ukraine's future but for the larger geopolitical balance as well.
While domestic political uncertainties loom, Ukraine remains steadfast, relying on its allies to navigate the tumultuous political climate. The outcome of the Biden administration's last-minute efforts may significantly impact the situation as the nation braces for what lies ahead after Trump officially assumes office.
