Rejection of Biden’s $24 Billion Request for Additional Ukraine Aid

Rejection of White House Request for Ukraine Aid

House Speaker Mike Johnson has declined a White House request to approve $24 billion in additional aid for Ukraine before the end of the year. Johnson asserted that any further assistance to Kyiv would be determined by President-elect Trump upon assuming office in January. “I’m not planning to do that,” Johnson stated, referring to adding Ukraine aid to a government funding resolution.

Trump’s Influence on Ukraine Policy

Johnson attributed the altered dynamics of Russia’s war on Ukraine to Trump’s electoral victory. He emphasized that any additional U.S. support for Kyiv should be decided under the incoming administration. “We predicted that if Donald Trump was elected, it would change the dynamic of the Russian war on Ukraine, and we’re seeing that happen,” Johnson said. “Therefore, it’s not Joe Biden’s place to make that decision now. We have a newly elected president, and we’ll wait for his guidance on this matter.”

White House Aid Request Details

The White House requested $24 billion from Congress to provide Ukraine with additional assistance through 2026. This aid was intended to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war. The request included $8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which supports Ukraine with military equipment, armed forces training, and advisory efforts. It also included $16 billion for the Department of Defense to replenish depleted stocks and repair damaged equipment resulting from Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.

Biden Administration’s Challenges

Despite having approximately $6 billion remaining in Ukraine aid funds, the Biden administration faces challenges in dispersing the full amount due to dwindling American military stockpiles. On Monday, the administration announced a $725 million military package for Ukraine, comprising air defense systems, munitions, and anti-tank weapons.

Partisan Divide on Ukraine Aid

While a majority of Republicans and Democrats support providing military and economic assistance to Ukraine, Trump and his supporters, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, have criticized the amount of aid as excessive and misdirected. They argue that it diverts resources from domestic priorities and efforts to confront China.

Efforts to Secure Future Ukraine Aid

Pro-Ukraine lawmakers are working to pass legislation before the end of the year that would empower Congress to compel the president to continue providing military and economic support to Ukraine. This move aims to prevent a complete cutoff of U.S. assistance under a Trump administration.