Egypt Daily News – US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced the provision of a new package of military aid to Ukraine, valued at approximately $500 million, as part of Washington’s continued support for Kiev in the face of Russian aggression.
The new package includes air defense missiles, air-to-surface munitions, as well as equipment to support F-16 fighters, according to a senior US official.
US President Joe Biden is also expected to announce this week a new package of economic sanctions targeting Russia, in a move aimed at strengthening Washington’s support for Ukraine before the transfer of power to President-elect Donald Trump.
Although the details of these sanctions have not yet been revealed, officials confirmed that the Biden team is in constant contact with the Trump team to inform it of the steps taken.
As Trump’s return to the White House on January 20 approaches, hope is growing that a diplomatic solution can be reached to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. However, Kiev is concerned that this solution may require making expensive concessions.
Trump’s advisors presented proposals to end the war, including that Ukraine cede large parts of its territory to Russia in the future, which reflects a clear difference in visions between the current administration and the next administration.
Biden aides have said they are seeking to strengthen Ukraine as much as possible on the battlefield, in preparation for possible negotiations with Russia this year. The official added that most of the weapons and ammunition promised to Ukraine have been delivered, while the rest are on their way.
In a different context, the American official indicated that Ukraine may need security guarantees, including the possibility of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), with the aim of preventing any future Russian attack after reaching a peace agreement.
Meanwhile, US military officials are considering how to deal with any escalation in Asia due to North Korea’s support for Russia. The official indicated that the United States is likely to impose new sanctions on Chinese parties that support Russia in the war.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also told Reuters last month that Washington continues to work to reduce Russia’s oil revenues, and seeks to reduce foreign supplies that are fueling the war in Ukraine.
