(New York) – The United States is preparing to announce additional military assistance in the coming days. The announcement was made by Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a briefing at the UN Security Council on November 18, 2024. This new aid package, expected to total $7.1 billion, will be drawn from the Pentagon’s stockpiles and allocated to Ukraine before President Biden’s term concludes in January.
The timing of the announcement is crucial, as growing concerns over the future of US military support for Ukraine arise. President-elect Donald Trump, during his campaign, has expressed opposition to US military aid to Ukraine, calling for a reduction in support. Although Trump has toned down his rhetoric since his election, his political allies have continued to advocate for a complete cessation of military aid to Ukraine, raising fears about what will happen once he assumes office.
Speaking at the UN Security Council, Thomas-Greenfield called on member states to support Ukraine’s Peace Formula and emphasized the importance of a just, sustainable peace that fully respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She also made clear that Russia must be held accountable for its violations of international law and its ongoing acts of aggression against Ukraine.
Thomas-Greenfield directed strong words towards China, urging the country to cease its support for Russia’s military efforts. She warned that China’s actions in fueling the war only exacerbate the situation and undermine global peace. The US envoy’s remarks highlighted Russia’s continued violations of the UN Charter, as well as the alarming deployment of North Korean soldiers to Russian territory, marking the first time in over a century that foreign troops have been welcomed into Russia.
In the briefing, Thomas-Greenfield also condemned Russia’s use of Iranian drones and other tactics that blatantly breach international regulations, particularly Security Council Resolution 2231, which prohibits the supply of weapons to non-state actors. These actions have raised concerns about further destabilization in the region and the international community’s ability to enforce global security.
The human toll of the conflict was not overlooked. Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the staggering number of war crimes committed by Russian forces, estimating approximately 147,000 violations. The war has left critical infrastructure in ruins, with millions of Ukrainians suffering from the loss of electricity, heating, and water. Russia’s militarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has further escalated the threat, putting all of Europe at risk of a nuclear disaster.
As the war enters its thousandth day, the US remains steadfast in its commitment to Ukraine. Thomas-Greenfield reiterated that when the war concludes, Ukraine will control its internationally recognized territory and will continue its path towards NATO membership. In the meantime, the US will continue to surge military assistance, providing Ukraine with artillery, air defense systems, armored vehicles, and other critical capabilities.
The United States has already provided over $59.1 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. The most recent aid package of $7.9 billion was announced in September 2024. With Trump’s potential policy shift looming, the US is making clear its intention to reinforce Ukraine’s defense capabilities, ensuring that the country remains able to withstand Russia’s aggression.
On the same day, the European Parliament marked the 1,000th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In a session that underscored the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the continued support of Europe, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the European Union for its steadfast backing. The UK Foreign Ministry also condemned Russia’s invasion as a clear violation of international law and reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine.
In another significant development, Denmark announced a €130 million investment into Ukraine’s defense industry. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, during a visit to Kyiv, underscored the importance of learning from Ukraine’s adaptability and resilience in the face of ongoing war.