With his time in office winding down, President Joe Biden is focusing on securing additional military aid for Ukraine in its war with Russia. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that Biden is committed to using the remaining resources passed by Congress for Ukraine and plans to appeal for further aid before leaving office.
In an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, Sullivan reiterated Biden’s intention to support Ukraine until the very end of his term, stating, “Our approach remains the same as it has been for the last two and a half years, which is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is ultimately in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table.”
However, President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly opposed continued U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has vowed to end the conflict swiftly, pledging to prioritize an “America First” approach that would reduce U.S. involvement abroad. This approach has resonated with many Americans who are concerned about the substantial financial aid provided to Ukraine, estimated in tens of billions of dollars since 2022.
With around $6 billion remaining in approved funding for Ukraine, Sullivan confirmed Biden’s intent to allocate the full amount to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government by Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Sullivan stressed that Biden will make the case to Congress and the incoming administration that the U.S. should maintain its support for Ukraine, warning that “walking away from Ukraine means more instability in Europe,” a stance that appears at odds with Trump’s foreign policy vision.
The transition meeting between Biden and Trump, scheduled for November 13, will cover critical issues in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including the evolving Ukraine situation.
According to Sullivan, Biden will reaffirm his commitment to a peaceful transition of power and discuss the strategic importance of ongoing support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zelenskyy have both acknowledged Trump’s electoral win. Putin indicated openness to engage with the incoming U.S. administration regarding the Ukraine conflict.
While Biden remains focused on Ukraine, Sullivan also commented on the Middle East, where tensions continue to rise between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group. The Biden administration has been calling for increased pressure on Hamas to agree to a cease-fire.
Sullivan also stated that further progress in Middle Eastern peace negotiations remains a priority in the final weeks of Biden’s presidency.