In a significant statement on September 26, 2024, President Joe Biden reiterated U.S. support for Ukraine in its ongoing battle against Russian aggression. Highlighting new military assistance, including Patriot missiles and long-range strike capabilities, Biden emphasized the importance of helping Ukraine win this war. However, both Democratic and Republican critics are raising key concerns about the sustainability of the U.S. commitment. Explore the questions being asked on both sides of the political spectrum.
Statement from President
Joe Biden on U.S. Support for Ukraine
I am proud to welcome President Zelenskyy back to the White House today. For nearly three years, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom from Russian aggression, and it has been a top priority of my Administration to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail. In that time, Ukraine has won the battle of Kyiv, reclaimed more than half the territory that Russia seized at the start of the war, and safeguarded its sovereignty and independence. But there is more work to do. 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.
Today, I am announcing that:
- I have directed the Department of Defense to allocate all of its remaining security assistance funding that has been appropriated for Ukraine by the end of my term in office. As part of this effort, the Department of Defense will allocate the remaining Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds by the end of this year. I also have authorized $5.5 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority to ensure this authority does not expire, so that my Administration can fully utilize the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine and then replenish U.S. stockpiles.
- The Department of Defense is announcing $2.4 billion in security assistance through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment requirements.
- To enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, I have decided to provide Ukraine with the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range munition.
- To further strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, I have directed the Department of Defense to refurbish and provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense battery and to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot missiles. This builds on my decision earlier this year to divert U.S. air defense exports to Ukraine, which will provide Ukraine with hundreds of additional Patriot and AMRAAM missiles over the next year and will help Ukraine defend its cities and its people.
- To build the capacity of Ukraine’s air force, I have directed the Department of Defense to expand training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, including by supporting the training of an additional 18 pilots next year.
- To counter Russian sanctions evasion and money laundering, the Department of Justice, the Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Secret Service have taken action today to disrupt a global cryptocurrency network, in coordination with international partners. The United States will continue to raise the costs on Russia for its war in Ukraine and to deprive the Russian defense industrial base of resources.
- I will convene a leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany next month to coordinate the efforts of the more than 50 countries supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
Through these actions, my message is clear: The United States will provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win this war.
September 26, 2024 Washington, DC
Questions from Democratic Critics:
- How does President Biden plan to balance U.S. financial and military support for Ukraine while addressing pressing domestic issues like affordable healthcare and education reform?
- What steps is the administration taking to explore diplomatic options with Russia to end the war, instead of continuing to rely on military aid?
- How will the government ensure transparency and accountability in the use of U.S. funds and equipment sent to Ukraine?
Questions from Republican Critics:
- Given rising concerns over U.S. defense readiness, how can the administration justify the continuous transfer of military resources to Ukraine?
- With inflation and economic challenges at home, is it fiscally responsible to allocate billions more in taxpayer dollars to Ukraine?
- Is there a risk that the ongoing support for Ukraine will escalate into a broader conflict involving NATO and Russia, further entangling the U.S. in international warfare?
Sources: Midtown Tribune news , White House WH.gov
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