President Joe Biden has reaffirmed the United States‘ support for Ukraine and announced a new $425 million military assistance package during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on October 16. The White House readout stated that the new military aid will include additional air defense capabilities, air-to-ground munitions, armored vehicles, and critical munitions to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs.
The United States plans to provide Ukraine with various additional capabilities in the coming months, including hundreds of air defense interceptors, dozens of tactical air defense systems, artillery systems, ammunition, armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. These resources will help equip Ukraine’s armed forces in their ongoing conflict with Russia.
The call between Biden and Zelenskyy took place less than a month after the Ukrainian president visited the United States and presented what he called a “victory plan” for Ukraine’s war with Russia. While details of this plan were initially kept secret during Zelenskyy’s visit in September, he revealed more specifics during an address to Ukraine’s parliament on October 16.
Zelenskyy’s victory plan includes a request for NATO membership status for Ukraine as well as long-range weapons systems to strike deep within Russian territory. The plan also calls for a comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package that would either force Russia into negotiating a ceasefire or cripple its military capabilities.
Additionally, Zelenskyy proposes signing agreements with the United States, European Union (EU), and other Western countries to export Ukraine’s natural resources. He also suggests deploying battle-hardened Ukrainian forces to assist security missions across Europe and replace some U.S. troops stationed there.
During their call on October 16th, Biden and Zelenskyy discussed the victory plan further and instructed their teams to engage in consultations on next steps. Zelenskyy is expected to discuss his plan in greater detail at the European Council meeting on October 17th.
While it remains uncertain whether Western backers will fully embrace Zelenskyy’s plan, discussions about additional rounds of support are ongoing. In November, Biden has committed to hosting a virtual leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group involving 57 nations supplying military equipment to Ukraine. This meeting aims to prepare further international military assistance for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards the U.S.’s commitment in helping strengthen Ukraine’s positions against Russia through training support as well as diplomatic efforts.