President Joe Biden has instructed the Department of Defense to expedite military assistance to Ukraine following Russia's aggressive attack on the nation on Christmas Day. The attack, which targeted energy infrastructure with drones and ballistic missiles, left at least six individuals wounded and one dead, as reported by local authorities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the timing of the assault, stating, "What could be more inhumane?" He highlighted Russia's choice to strike on Christmas as particularly egregious, considering the suffering inflicted upon civilians during winter.
On Wednesday, Biden released a statement denouncing the attack, which he characterized as deliberately aimed at undermining the Ukrainian people’s access to heat and electricity. He expressed, "The purpose of this outrageous attack was to cut off the Ukrainian people's access to heat and electricity during winter and to jeopardize the safety of its grid." This condemnation serves as part of the Biden administration's broader response to the conflict, particularly as it races to finalize aid before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale war on February 24, 2022, the US has vowed significant material support to Ukraine. According to White House records, this commitment totals $61.4 billion. Among the recent assistance packages, Biden announced on December 12 the approval of $500 million for high mobility artillery and drones, sent using the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).
Biden’s urgency to send military supplies is magnified by the reality of the upcoming Republican majority Congress, which might restrict future aid approvals. Trump's skepticism about Ukraine funding—he previously termed the financial support "a blank cheque"—has raised concerns within the Biden administration. Some Republicans, loyal to Trump, have indicated their lack of support for significant financial backing of the war against Russia.
While Biden has moved quickly to send military supplies, he also retains considerable funds to allocate to Ukraine before ceding power. An estimated $4 billion to $5 billion remains available from the PDA, sufficient for continued support. By late November, Biden had deployed this authority 55 times to send aid.
Despite Trump's avowed intention to conclude the Ukraine conflict, Biden remains focused on ensuring Ukraine has the necessary support during his final days as president. National Security spokesman John Kirby stated on December 13, "Biden would continue to provide additional packages right up to the end of this administration,” reinforcing the commitment to the Ukrainian cause.
The stakes remain high as the international community watches closely. The outrage surrounding Russia's Christmas Day strike illuminates the humanitarian crisis faced by the Ukrainian people as winter sets in and the war continues to escalate.
With the incoming administration's stance uncertain, the Biden administration’s frantic pace to deliver aid reflects not just urgent military necessity but also the rising concern about the future of US involvement and support for Ukraine's sovereignty. The forthcoming transition has left many questioning the level of assistance Ukraine may receive come January.
Military experts have noted the strategic significance of the timing of both aid deliveries and military operations. The close alignment of the holidays with increased military action emphasizes the moral imperative on the part of the US to respond decisively, as stated by Keith Kellogg, Trump’s selected envoy for the Ukraine war. He remarked, "Christmas should be a time of peace, yet Ukraine was brutally attacked on Christmas Day."
Despite the challenges, the Biden administration's actions signal continued support for Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression and the preservation of its energy infrastructure amid rising hostilities.
