Biden Promises Ukraine Additional Support After Russian Strike on Christmas

Amid Russian missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid, President Biden pledges enhanced U.S. military support to bolster Ukrainian defenses in the face of escalating attacks.

At a Glance

Biden directs an increase in military aid for Ukraine following recent Russian attacks on Christmas Day.
Zelenskyy condemns the attacks as an “inhuman” attempt to disrupt Ukrainian life amid winter.
U.S. military aid to Ukraine has reached $175 billion since the conflict with Russia began.
President-elect Trump aims to end the conflict swiftly with a new special envoy.

U.S. Military Aid on the Rise

In response to the devastating Russian strikes on Ukraine’s urban and energy infrastructures on Christmas Day, the Biden Administration has taken decisive action. President Joe Biden recently announced an increase in military aid to Ukraine. The directive seeks to expedite the delivery of arms, enabling Ukraine to defend against Russian offensives aiming to leave citizens vulnerable to the harsh winter conditions. Since the onset of the conflict in 2022, the U.S. has committed a notable $175 billion in aid efforts to support Ukraine.

Amidst the turmoil, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decried the strikes. “Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhuman?” he stated, highlighting the overwhelming number of missiles and drones used by Russia in their aggressive maneuvers.

Biden pledges more U.S. weapons to Ukraine after Russia's Christmas attack https://t.co/FB1ZEPrLl7

— Axios (@axios) December 26, 2024

Global and Domestic Reactions

Biden condemned the Russian strikes as “outrageous,” remarking on their evident goal to disrupt heat and power supplies during this critical time. Such acts not only target the energy infrastructure but also seek to undermine the spirit and morale of the Ukrainian people. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Ukraine’s resilience. “I pay tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the leadership of President Zelenskyy,” Starmer remarked, underscoring the unyielding spirit showcased in the face of persistent adversity from Russia’s war machine.

Moreover, the nature of these strikes has drawn attention from the international community. While NATO member Romania reported no Russian missile transit through its airspace despite claims from Ukraine, the incident has sparked global discussions regarding the integrity and security of European borders.

The Path Forward

The election of Donald Trump as President has influenced expectations regarding the resolution of the conflict. Anticipating his inauguration on January 20, Trump has expressed ambitions to swiftly address and conclude the ongoing war by appointing retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as a special envoy. Kellogg, voicing his disapproval of the Christmas Day attack, emphasized the urgency of pursuing peace and the global scrutiny surrounding each party’s actions within the conflict.

The commitment of the United States and its allies remains firm, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine until stability is restored. As the world watches, this new chapter of American leadership may redefine strategic dynamics in the region.