Biden Abruptly Delays Additional Military Aid to Ukraine

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The Biden administration in the United States has abruptly postponed the provision of military aid worth approximately $200 million promised to Ukraine.

On the 10th (local time), NBC News cited three sources reporting that the White House suddenly delayed the planned announcement of additional military aid to Ukraine.

The sources said the decision appears to have been made to allow time to consider options such as a larger military aid package if Russia launches an invasion.

Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, had previously stated that if Russia initiates an attack on Ukraine, the U.S. would impose strong economic and non-economic sanctions and send more military aid to Ukraine.

(Photo by AP News)

Recently, claims have been repeatedly made in the U.S. and Ukraine that Russia is amassing about 100,000 troops and weapons near the Ukrainian border and preparing to invade Ukraine early next year.

In this context, U.S. President Joe Biden held a video conference with President Vladimir Putin on the 7th to discuss ways to ease tensions but failed to reach any significant agreement.

However, the two presidents agreed to have their working-level teams continue discussions on the related issues. Amid rumors of Russia preparing to invade Ukraine, the Ukrainian government, which requested military aid from the U.S. about a month ago and received a positive response, expressed bewilderment.

Both the White House and Ukrainian officials declined to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, although the contents of the previously proposed $200 million military aid package have not been confirmed, it is reported that Ukraine requested items such as air defense systems, anti-ship missiles, additional Javelin anti-tank missiles, radio communication jamming devices, radar systems, improved artillery shells, and medical supplies.

The U.S. has provided over $2.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. As part of this, Javelin anti-tank missiles, ammunition, and radar systems have been supplied to Ukraine.

The Biden administration also promised to provide an additional $60 million in military aid during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the U.S. in early September.

Under this support program, the first batch of military aid, including ammunition, precision weapons, and radar equipment, was delivered to Ukraine on October 10.

Subsequently, the second batch of aid arrived in Kyiv on October 18, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's visit to Ukraine.

According to CNN, citing U.S. State Department sources, the third batch of aid, consisting of firearms and ammunition, arrived in Ukraine on the 9th, and the fourth batch under the $60 million support program is expected to be delivered early next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.