Biden commits $8bn military aid to Ukraine

U.S President Joe Biden has announced a military assistance package of over $8 billion for Ukraine defence systems, amid Russian conflict.

This commitment is aimed to bolster Ukraine’s efforts to repel ongoing Russian aggression.

A key component of the aid is the introduction of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), a precision-guided glide bomb capable of striking targets up to 81 miles (130 km) away.

This medium-range missile will enhance Ukraine’s offensive capabilities, enabling strikes from a safer distance.

A U.S. official clarified that Joe Biden would not permit Ukraine to use U.S. missiles for deeper strikes into Russia.

“We’re making it clear that we stand with Ukraine now and in the future,” Biden stated.

He emphasised the U.S. commitment to helping Ukraine strengthen its battlefield position and revealed plans to allocate all remaining security funding by the end of his term in January.

Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the importance of securing Ukraine’s future within the European Union and NATO.

The new aid package allocates $5.5 billion before the end of the U.S. fiscal year on Monday, when current funding authority will expire.

An additional $2.4 billion will come from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows the administration to procure weapons from manufacturers rather than withdrawing them from U.S. stockpiles.

“This will provide Ukraine with additional air defence, unmanned aerial systems, and air-to-ground munitions. It will also strengthen Ukraine’s defence industrial base and support maintenance and sustainment efforts," Biden explained.

Biden also announced an expansion of training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, with plans to support the training of 18 additional pilots next year.