As the Biden administration continues to request additional funding from Congress to aid Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian invasion, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that it will provide a package of military arsenal to the country. This announcement follows indications that the administration is prepared to concede border considerations desired by Republicans in order to secure a new round of funding for Ukraine.
According to a report by CBS News, the Biden administration has signaled to Congress that it is open to establishing a new authority similar to Title 42, which would allow for the expulsion of migrants without asylum screenings. Additionally, it is considering an expansion of immigration detention and deportations as measures to persuade the GOP to approve aid for Ukraine.
During a White House press conference on Dec. 12 welcoming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Biden stated, "Congress needs to pass the supplemental funding for Ukraine before they break for the holiday recess, before they give Putin the greatest Christmas gift they could possibly give him." He continued, "And so, because we’ve seen what happens when dictators don’t pay the price for the damage and death and destruction they cause, and they keep going when no price is paid."
In a news release by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), it was stated that America and its group of 50 allies will continue providing support for Ukraine. However, unless Congress approves another round of funding, this latest military package could be one of the last assistance packages provided to Ukraine.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken elaborated on this commitment saying, "This package provides up to $200 million of arms and equipment under previously directed drawdowns for Ukraine. The capabilities included in today's package encompass air defense munitions, air defense system components, additional munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, artillery ammunition (including 155mm and 105mm), High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile missiles, anti-armor munitions, small arms ammunition, a demolitions package, HESCO barriers, and spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training and transportation."
