As his term nears its end, President Joe Biden is reportedly seeking an additional $24 billion in military assistance for Ukraine, further fueling debates over the U.S.’s role in the ongoing war with Russia.
The White House Office of Management and Budget has indicated that the aid request could be tied to legislation to prevent a looming government shutdown, according to Politico Pro.
The proposed package includes $8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, directly benefitting U.S. arms manufacturers, and $16 billion to replenish weapons already sent to Ukraine.
This comes as Republicans, emboldened by President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, increasingly oppose further funding for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) voiced his disapproval on social media, saying, “Joe Biden just gave away $4.7 billion in your taxpayer dollars by unilaterally ‘forgiving’ loans to Ukraine.
Congress must not give him a free gift to further sabotage President Trump’s peace negotiations on the way out the door. Any Biden funding demands should be DOA.”
Lee’s comments reflect a broader Republican sentiment against Biden’s continued financial support for Ukraine, especially as Trump prepares to take office in less than two months.
Trump has consistently advocated for de-escalation and peace talks with Russia, clashing with Biden’s approach of sustained military aid.
Adding to the tension, the Biden administration recently announced the cancellation of $4.7 billion in loans to Ukraine, a move confirmed by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
“We have taken the step that was outlined in the law to cancel those loans,” Miller said, while noting that Congress retains the authority to reverse this decision.
The timing of the loan forgiveness has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, who view it as an attempt to cement Biden’s Ukraine policy before leaving office.
The administration has emphasized the need for bipartisan support to ensure continued aid for Ukraine, even after Trump takes office.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has publicly stated that the Biden administration seeks to “Trump-proof” its Ukraine policy by fostering broad political consensus. “President Biden will make the case that we do need ongoing resources for Ukraine beyond the end of his term,” Sullivan told CBS News’ Face the Nation.
“The threat to Ukraine will remain no matter what happens on the battlefield or at the negotiating table,” Sullivan added. He argued that the U.S. must not abandon its commitment to Ukraine or the coalition of 50 nations supporting it.
The Biden administration has allocated nearly $60 billion in military and administrative aid to Ukraine since the war began.
Recent measures, including authorizing U.S. missiles to strike targets inside Russia and deploying anti-personnel landmines in Ukraine, have escalated tensions. Critics argue these policies risk prolonging the conflict and provoking further retaliation from Russia.
With time running out for the Biden presidency, the push for additional Ukraine funding has become a lightning rod for partisan debate, highlighting the stark contrasts between Biden’s policies and Trump’s incoming administration.