US President Joe Biden has secretly asked Congress to allocate an additional $24 billion to help Ukraine and replenish the stockpile of US weapons that were previously transferred to Kyiv. This follows from documents that have come to the disposal of Politico.
Two sources of the publication confirmed Biden’s request, specifying that it was sent on November 25. The appeal should be considered by December 20, as the White House Office of Management and Budget has suggested that Congress include this aid in the decision to extend funding for government work to avoid a shutdown, Politico notes.
It is assumed that $16bn of the announced amount will be used to replenish the US stockpile, while the remaining $8bn will be spent under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This program provides for the Pentagon to conclude contracts with manufacturers to supply arms to the Ukrainian army, rather than providing equipment and other assistance directly from army depots.
Biden’s request has angered some Republicans, who believe that “Congress should not give Kyiv gifts that will allow it to sabotage the possibility of peace talks even more seriously.”
The day before, State Department chief Anthony Blinken said the US would provide Ukraine with everything it needs to “fight through 2025” and begin peace talks from a position of strength. Before that, he said that the White House intends to provide Ukraine with “every dollar” of the funds approved by Congress until January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
