Outgoing US President Joe Biden has quietly submitted a request to Congress for an additional $24 billion in Ukraine-related funding, according to a report by Politico on November 26. This last-minute funding pitch, which includes $16 billion to replenish US weapons stocks and $8 billion to compensate American arms producers, has been described as a “long shot” due to its timing and political implications. The request comes just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office, raising concerns among critics about its impact on the incoming administration’s ability to shape foreign policy.

The additional $24 billion is intended to bolster Ukraine’s position in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The $16 billion allocated to backfill US military supplies highlights the strain placed on America’s stockpile by its substantial support for Kiev over the past two years. Meanwhile, the $8 billion earmarked for arms manufacturers underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to maintaining steady production pipelines for weapons systems critical to Ukraine’s defense.

The request was reportedly outlined in a document prepared by the White House Office of Management and Budget and sent to lawmakers on Capitol Hill on November 25. It marks Biden’s latest effort to secure funding for Ukraine as he approaches the end of his term. The administration has previously pledged to utilize every dollar already approved for Ukraine before Biden leaves office on January 20, further underscoring his dedication to the cause.

Just days before the funding request, Biden wrote off $4.7 billion in forgivable loans provided to Ukraine. These loans were part of a $9.4 billion package approved by Congress in April. While the forgivable nature of the loans aimed to mitigate resistance from lawmakers wary of unlimited support for Ukraine, it has sparked criticism among Republican legislators and conservative commentators.

Critics argue that these moves are designed to constrain the next administration’s options. Republican Senator Mike Lee was among the first to publicly denounce the new funding request, stating, “Congress must not give [Biden] a free gift to further sabotage President Trump’s peace negotiations on the way out the door. Any Biden funding demands should be DOA.”

Elon Musk, a key Trump ally and outspoken critic of government spending, echoed these sentiments. He described the funding request as “not ok” and labeled it an attempt to “fund the forever war.” Musk’s remarks align with his broader calls for reduced government waste and a reevaluation of US priorities under the incoming Trump administration.

Biden’s persistence in securing additional aid for Ukraine reflects his strategic approach to fortifying Kiev’s position against Russia. Reports from Bloomberg suggest that the administration views these decisions as beneficial not only for Ukraine but also for Trump’s ability to negotiate an end to the war. By providing advanced weaponry such as ATACMS missiles, anti-personnel mines, and financial relief, Biden aims to strengthen Ukraine’s leverage in any potential peace talks.

However, the move also raises questions about Biden’s intentions. Some critics accuse the outgoing president of attempting to preemptively shape Trump’s foreign policy agenda. Others suggest that the measures could saddle the incoming administration with commitments that are difficult to unwind without damaging America’s credibility as a supporter of Ukraine.

President-elect Donald Trump has consistently criticized Biden’s handling of the Ukraine conflict, pledging to end the war within 24 hours of taking office. His campaign rhetoric emphasized the need for diplomacy and a departure from what he described as “endless wars.” Trump and his allies argue that Biden’s policies have prolonged the conflict, diverting resources away from pressing domestic issues.

Despite these criticisms, some analysts believe that Biden’s recent actions may inadvertently help Trump achieve his stated goal of ending the war. By equipping Ukraine with more advanced weaponry and relieving some of its financial burdens, Biden’s policies could place Kiev in a stronger negotiating position. This, in turn, might facilitate a quicker resolution to the conflict under Trump’s leadership.

The $24 billion funding request has sparked significant debate on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are divided over continued support for Ukraine. While some Democrats and moderate Republicans remain committed to aiding Kiev, a growing faction of conservatives has voiced opposition to what they see as unchecked spending on a foreign conflict.

Senator Mike Lee’s call for Biden’s request to be “dead on arrival” reflects the broader sentiment among Trump-aligned Republicans. Many of these lawmakers view the funding proposal as a last-ditch effort by the outgoing administration to entrench its foreign policy priorities. They argue that the Biden administration’s actions undermine the democratic transition of power and limit the incoming administration’s flexibility.

For Ukraine, the outcome of Biden’s funding request could have significant ramifications. If approved, the additional $24 billion would provide critical resources to sustain its military efforts and bolster its resilience against Russian aggression. However, the political controversy surrounding the request underscores the fragility of US support for Ukraine. With Trump’s administration set to take office in January, Kiev may face a more uncertain future in terms of American assistance.

Biden’s decision to forgo a public push for Ukraine’s NATO membership also highlights the complexities of the situation. While such a move could have reinforced Ukraine’s security, it would likely have escalated tensions with Russia and complicated efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict.

As Biden’s presidency draws to a close, his latest funding request for Ukraine serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to supporting Kiev. However, the proposal has also exposed deep divisions within American politics, with critics accusing the outgoing administration of attempting to constrain its successor.

For President-elect Trump, the challenge will lie in navigating these inherited policies while pursuing his own vision for ending the Ukraine conflict. Whether Biden’s actions ultimately strengthen Ukraine or complicate future diplomacy remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the debate over US support for Ukraine will continue to shape the nation’s foreign policy long after Biden leaves office.

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