In Brief

President Joe Biden announced his administration's last security assistance package for Ukraine, amounting to nearly $2.5 billion.
It is still unclear whether U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will continue military aid for Kyiv.
The Kremlin's offensive against Kyiv has intensified since May 2024, supported by military aid from Iran and North Korea.
Over 2,800 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory have been seized by Russian forces this year.
President Zelenskyy acknowledges limitations in reclaiming territories by force, raising concerns about future U.S. military support.

Situation Report

President Joe Biden announced a significant security assistance package totalling nearly $2.5 billion for Ukraine, marking his administration's last such support before the end of 2024.

This announcement comes as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues unabated, with ongoing military engagements that necessitate sustained international support for Ukraine's defence efforts.

The aid package consists of two main components: a $1.25 billion drawdown package intended for immediate military use, and a $1.22 billion allocation under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).

In his statement, Biden highlighted the U.S.'s commitment to standing with the Ukrainian people since Russia escalated its aggression in February 2022, emphasizing that supporting Ukraine remains a top priority for his administration.

Although last year Kyiv was eager to win back all the territories Russia occupied, Zelenskyy recently conceded Ukraine does not have the means to do that by force. The additional US funding is designed to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities, providing essential resources that have proven effective on the battlefield, including air defence systems, artillery, and other critical weaponry.

At the same time, the Kremlin continues to receive military aid from Iran and North Korea. According to the Telegram channel UA War Infographics Analytics, over the course of 2024, Moscow has seized 2,800 square kilometres of Ukrainian territories.

Finally, the situation is further complicated by uncertainty surrounding the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed his intentions to focus on negotiating a compromise to end the conflict, rather than continuing robust military support for Kyiv.