Sharjah 24 – AFP: US President Joe Biden announced nearly $8 billion in military aid to Ukraine on Thursday, including new long-range munitions, just before a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This surge in support comes as Russia raises nuclear threats, complicating the situation amid heightened tensions between Zelensky and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Biden emphasised the need for increased security assistance but did not address Zelensky’s requests for US long-range missiles against Russia. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Russia's nuclear threats as "totally irresponsible."
Zelensky stated his commitment to using the new aid effectively for a "victorious Ukraine," but the upcoming US elections pose a risk to continued support. Trump has criticized Zelensky's negotiation stance and questioned the rationale for US funding.
The new package includes $5.5 billion to be authorized before the fiscal year ends and $2.4 billion through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. The US has provided around $175 billion in military and economic aid since the conflict began, despite some Republican opposition.
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