Biden Promises Increased Support Following Ukraine’s Christmas Day Crisis

President Biden orders increased military support for Ukraine following Russia’s Christmas Day attacks on cities and energy infrastructure.

At a Glance

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine on Christmas Day.
The assault targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts.
President Biden condemned the attack and ordered accelerated arms deliveries to Ukraine.
The U.S. has committed $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
President-elect Trump aims to swiftly end the conflict upon taking office.

Biden Condemns Russia’s Christmas Day Assault

In response to Russia’s targeted attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, President Joe Biden has directed the U.S. military to accelerate arms deliveries to Ukraine. The assault, which involved a barrage of missiles and drones, inflicted significant damage and led to widespread blackouts across the country. Biden described the attack as “outrageous,” highlighting its intent to deprive Ukrainians of heat and electricity during the harsh winter months.

The scale of the attack was substantial, with Ukraine’s air defenses intercepting 59 of 78 Russian missiles and 54 of 102 drones. The strikes resulted in half a million people losing heating in the Kharkiv region and caused blackouts in Kyiv. At least six people were injured in Kharkiv, with one fatality reported in Dnipropetrovsk.

Biden pledges more U.S. weapons to Ukraine after Russia's Christmas attack https://t.co/FB1ZEPrLl7

— Axios (@axios) December 26, 2024

U.S. Commitment to Ukraine’s Defense

Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, the United States has committed a staggering $175 billion in aid to Ukraine. This substantial financial support underscores the U.S. and international community’s dedication to supporting Ukraine until it overcomes Russian aggression. The Biden administration’s latest directive to accelerate arms deliveries is a continuation of this commitment.

“The purpose of this outrageous attack was to cut off the Ukrainian people’s access to heat and electricity during winter and to jeopardize the safety of its grid,” Biden said.

The international response to Russia’s Christmas Day attack has been swift and unified. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined Biden in condemning the assault, praising the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Japan has also stepped up its support, with Zelenskyy thanking the country for an additional $3 billion from frozen Russian assets and a total of $12 billion in aid.

Shifting Political Landscape

As the conflict continues, the upcoming change in U.S. leadership introduces a new dynamic to the situation. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, has expressed intentions to find a swift resolution to the conflict. Trump has appointed retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, signaling a potential shift in approach to the ongoing war.

“Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhuman? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones,” the Ukrainian president said on Telegram.

Kellogg, while condemning the Christmas Day attack, emphasized the need for peace and noted the global scrutiny of actions by both sides. This appointment and Trump’s stated goal of ending the war quickly may indicate a different strategy from the current administration’s approach of sustained military support.

As the conflict enters its third year, the international community remains focused on supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the path forward may see changes as new leadership takes the helm in Washington, potentially altering the dynamics of U.S. involvement in the region.