Biden Administration Races to Deliver Remaining Ukraine Aid Before Inauguration
WASHINGTON -The Biden administration is planning to rapidly deliver the final portion of nearly $6 billion insecurity assistance to Ukraine before the inauguration of a new president in January, according to two unnamed U.S. government officials. This move comes as the White Houseseeks to ensure continued support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian actions.
The plan, however, faces significant challenges. Typically, it takes months to delivermunitions and equipment after an aid package is announced. Any assistance initiated in the coming weeks may not fully arrive until after the next administration takes office, raising concerns that a potential President Trump could halt the flow of supplies.
A major obstacle tothe rapid delivery is the reliance on existing U.S. stockpiles. The administration could draw down stocks to move equipment faster, but it’s not clear if the Pentagon is willing to do that, as it would affect their ownreadiness, said Mark Cancian, a former Pentagon budget official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Pentagon spokesperson Charlie Dietz stated that the Department of Defense will continue to provide authorized assistance to support Ukraine as planned, adding, We anticipate further assistance in the coming weeks.
A senior government official,speaking on condition of anonymity, said the plan aims to put Ukraine in the best possible position before the end of Biden’s term.
The move comes amidst concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine under a potential Republican-controlled White House, Senate, and possibly House of Representatives. FormerPresident Trump has repeatedly criticized Biden’s aid to Ukraine, raising fears that a future Republican administration might curtail assistance.
Trump has previously stated that he would end the Russia-Ukraine conflict within a day if re-elected. In response, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, told reporters, The Ukrainian crisis cannot be resolved in one day.
Trump declared victory in the 2024 presidential election early on November 6th. The official certification of the Electoral College vote, and the announcement of the presidential election results, is scheduled for January 6th, 2024. The new president’s inauguration will take place on January 20th.
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