National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized on Sunday that President Joe Biden is committed to bolstering Ukraine’s position in its conflict with Russia during his remaining weeks in office.
Speaking on ABC’s This Week with Jonathan Karl, Sullivan outlined the administration’s efforts to maximize military aid to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on January 20.
“We are going to do everything in our power for these 50 days to get Ukraine all the tools we possibly can to strengthen their position on the battlefield so that they’ll be stronger at the negotiating table,” Sullivan said.
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He also noted that Biden had ordered a significant surge in military equipment deliveries, aiming to utilize every dollar appropriated by Congress for Ukraine aid before the administration’s term ends.
President Biden has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Last month, Biden approved the use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS long-range missiles, allowing Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia—a move reflecting Biden’s commitment to providing advanced weaponry to Kyiv.
President-elect Trump, who has expressed skepticism about the level of U.S. aid sent to Ukraine, has indicated a potential shift in foreign policy once in office. Sullivan acknowledged this uncertainty, urging Ukraine to maintain dialogue with the incoming administration and allied nations.
“I’ve encouraged the Ukrainian team to engage the incoming team as well as our allies and partners,” Sullivan said. “On January 21, the war in Ukraine doesn’t just go away. Obviously, the new team will have its own policy, and I can’t speak to that, but what I can do is make sure we put Ukraine in the best possible position when we hand off the baton.”
READ: US To Send $725M In Military Aid To Ukraine: Counter-Drone Systems And HIMARS Munitions
On Monday, the United States announced another significant military aid package worth $725 million heading to Ukraine. This latest tranche of assistance includes crucial counter-drone systems to combat the growing threat of Russian and Iranian drones, as well as additional munitions for Ukraine’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
While the specific type of HIMARS munitions remains undisclosed, there is speculation that it could include the much-sought-after ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System).
These longer-range missiles would significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike targets deep behind Russian lines, potentially disrupting supply lines, command centers, and ammunition depots.
This aid package comes at a critical juncture in the war, as Russia continues its relentless assault on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The counter-drone systems will be vital in countering the increasing use of drones by Russia to target civilian and military targets.
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The inclusion of anti-personnel landmines also signals a potential shift in battlefield tactics. Ukraine aims to utilize these mines to impede the movement of Russian and North Korean ground forces in the Kursk region, a strategically important area bordering Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, sparked by Russia’s invasion in February 2022, has evolved into a protracted war of attrition. Ukraine, with steadfast support from Western allies like the United States, has managed to resist Russia’s advances and even reclaim some occupied territories.
However, Russia continues to pose a formidable challenge, employing a combination of indiscriminate shelling, drone attacks, and ground offensives. The winter months are expected to bring new challenges, with concerns about potential energy shortages and intensified fighting in certain regions.
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