Biden faces calls to ramp up military aid to Ukraine before Trump’s potential return

As Trump’s potential return to the White House looms, President Joe Biden has faced mounting calls to increase and expedite U.S. military support for Ukraine.

With $175 billion already committed, many pro-Ukraine voices are urging Biden to eliminate red tape and allow U.S. weapons to be used more freely by Ukrainian forces before Trump’s possible inauguration in January.

“Time for Joe Biden to become the least-lame lame duck in history. Whatever can go to Ukraine needs to go now,” wrote Jessica Berlin, senior fellow at the Center for European Political Analysis (CEPA), on X (formerly Twitter).

Journalist David Patrikarakos echoed this sentiment: “As Donald Trump looks set to win, Joe Biden must do one thing, expedite all military aid to Ukraine & unchain the Ukrainians—allow them to use U.S. weapons inside Russia.” Adding to the chorus, author Aja Radan suggested, “I strongly suggest that tomorrow President Biden call Ukraine and tell them they can blow up any part of Russia they want.”

Some experts are more measured but still assert the need for swift action. Jakub Janda, director of the European Values Center for Security Policy, argued that Europe should prepare for a post-Biden world by strengthening NATO and continuing to support Ukraine.

Pro-Ukraine voices on social media are also weighing in, urging Biden to make the most of his remaining time in office. One user wrote, “Biden should use his final 2 months in office to give Ukraine everything it needs!” Another, Adam Schwartz, stated, “If Joe Biden wants to secure his legacy as one of the most influential defenders of Western democracy in history, he should flood Ukraine with four years worth of military aid between now and Trump’s inauguration.”

As the pressure mounts, some analysts like Timothy Ash of Chatham House caution that Ukraine’s future support may shift to Europe if Trump takes power. Ash suggests Europe must act decisively, calling for the release of $330 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense.

With time running out, Biden’s decisions in the coming months will be critical, shaping not only Ukraine’s prospects but his own legacy in the fight against Russian aggression.