Biden Announces $425M Military Aid Package for Ukraine Amid Renewed Push for NATO Support
Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Joe Biden discussed boosting security assistance to Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, unveiling a new $425 million military aid package. The White House stated the package includes air defense systems, air-to-ground munitions, armored vehicles, and critical supplies.
In a message on Telegram, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Biden, both chambers of Congress, and the American public for their continued support. He revealed that the two leaders also discussed Kyiv’s newly outlined five-point “victory plan,” which Zelensky had presented to Ukraine’s parliament earlier that day.
“I proposed exploring joint weapons production,” Zelensky said, adding that they also emphasized the importance of additional training for Ukrainian forces.
On Thursday, Zelensky will attend a NATO defense ministers’ meeting, as confirmed by a revised agenda from the alliance published late on Wednesday.
Facing intensifying Russian advances in the east and an approaching winter marked by power shortages, Zelensky told parliament that his five-point plan requires crucial backing from Ukraine’s allies. His demands include an immediate and unconditional invitation for NATO membership and sustained weapons support.
In return, Zelensky proposed opening Ukraine’s natural mineral resources to Western partners and offered to enhance European security by positioning Ukrainian troops in roles currently filled by U.S. forces.
“Together with our allies, we must shift the circumstances so that the war ends—no matter what Putin desires. We must create conditions that force Russia into peace,” Zelensky said, addressing lawmakers and senior officials.
While Zelensky reaffirmed his commitment to a “just” resolution of the conflict, he acknowledged that some allies may have differing views on the war’s conclusion. “We hear talk of ‘negotiations’ from our partners, but less frequently the word ‘justice.’ Ukraine is open to diplomacy—honest diplomacy,” he said.
Zelensky’s plan also outlines the establishment of a “comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package” within Ukraine to counter future Russian aggression and neutralize its military threat. While the details remain unclear, Zelensky noted there is a classified component to the plan, which could not be disclosed publicly.
The framework further includes commitments to post-war reconstruction efforts, signaling Ukraine’s ambition to rebuild with the help of international partners.
This strategy will test the political resolve of Ukraine’s key allies, who have already provided billions in military aid while managing concerns over potential escalation with Russia—a nation possessing the world’s largest nuclear arsenal.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed on Wednesday that he had been briefed on the details of Zelensky’s victory plan. “We are working closely with member states, step-by-step, to assess the next moves,” Rutte stated.
As Ukraine’s leadership intensifies efforts to secure greater Western involvement, Thursday’s NATO meeting will be a crucial moment for Kyiv, as Zelensky seeks to convert promises into tangible support amid the ongoing conflict.
Source: BusinessDay, Reuters
