Biden Pushes $24 Billion Ukraine Aid Package Ahead of Trump’s Return to Office, Politico Reports

US President Joe Biden discreetly requested Congress to approve an additional $24 billion in aid for Ukraine to bolster Kyiv’s defenses and replenish US military stockpiles before his term ends, Politico Pro reported on November 26, citing an obtained document.

The move comes as the Biden administration accelerates efforts to deliver as much support to Ukraine as possible before Donald Trump assumes office in January.

According to the report, approximately $16 billion of the proposed funds would be allocated to restocking US weapons arsenals.

$8 billion would be allocated to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), a Pentagon program that supplies arms through contracts with American defense companies.

Two congressional sources confirmed to Politico that Congress received the request on November 25. The White House is reportedly urging lawmakers to incorporate the aid package into broader legislation to avoid a government shutdown next month.

This request aligns with the administration’s previously stated intention to seek additional support for Ukraine heading into 2025.

Recent policy shifts by the Biden administration—including the delivery of anti-personnel mines and the authorization of US-made long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes within Russia—are seen as strategic moves to strengthen Ukraine’s position in potential peace talks.

The additional aid request has already sparked criticism from opponents of Washington’s support for Ukraine.

Republican Senator Mike Lee stated, “Congress must not give him (Biden) a free gift to further sabotage President Trump’s peace negotiations on the way out the door.”

Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the United States would continue providing financial and military assistance to Ukraine until the end of the current administration of President Joe Biden.