The United States announced on Monday new military aid for Ukraine, valued at $725 million, including missiles and antipersonnel mines. “The United States supplies a large new batch of weapons and equipment […] This additional help […] is valued at $725 million,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
This support aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the face of the Russian offensive, at a time when the Biden administration is seeking to accelerate arms deliveries ahead of the presidential transition. “We want to ensure that Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression,” Antony Blinken insisted.
Controversial decisions
This new tranche of aid includes anti-personnel mines, a decision already criticized by human rights organizations. These mines, which continue to kill and maim long after conflicts end, pose significant risks to civilians.
However, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin justified their use by explaining that Russian forces primarily conduct their operations with dismounted infantry units. “The Ukrainians need things that can help slow down this effort by the Russians,” he said last month.
Accelerated aid before the presidential transition
With less than two months until Donald Trump’s inauguration, outgoing President Joe Biden is ramping up military aid deliveries. Jake Sullivan, national security adviser, spoke of a total envelope of six billion dollars to be deployed before the end of the mandate of the current administration.
This acceleration is reflected in the shipment of armored vehicles, small arms ammunition and other equipment available in large quantities. “By the end of the (outgoing) administration, they’re going to try to ship everything that’s available,” said Mark Cancian, an analyst at the Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS).
Concerns about the future of American support
In kyiv and Europe, the imminent arrival of Donald Trump is raising concerns about the continuity of American aid. The former president’s positions on the war in Ukraine fueled doubts about his involvement in the conflict.
Find our file on the war in Ukraine
Faced with these uncertainties, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated on Sunday his requests for security guarantees from NATO. He also called for increased Western military support. “We need more weapons to defend ourselves before any talks with Russia,” he said.
