Biden Vows More Military Support for Ukraine Following Christmas Day Attack

Man speaking at podium with American flags behind.

President Biden vows to bolster Ukraine’s defense following Russia’s Christmas Day assault, intensifying U.S. military aid amid escalating tensions.

At a Glance

Russia launched a massive Christmas Day attack on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.
Biden condemned the attack as “outrageous” and pledged continued U.S. military support.
The U.S. has committed $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 59 of 78 Russian missiles and 54 of 102 drones.
President-elect Trump aims to end the war swiftly upon taking office.

Biden’s Strong Response to Russian Aggression

President Joe Biden has directed the U.S. defense department to accelerate the delivery of weapons to Ukraine following Russia’s Christmas Day attack on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. The assault, which Biden described as “outrageous,” targeted critical power grid equipment, causing widespread blackouts and leaving hundreds of thousands without heat during the harsh winter months.

Biden’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense remains unwavering, with the U.S. having already provided $175 billion in aid since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The President emphasized the urgency of countering Russia’s tactics, which aim to exploit winter conditions to oppress Ukrainian civilians.

Biden pledges more U.S. weapons to Ukraine after Russia's Christmas attack https://t.co/FB1ZEPrLl7

— Axios (@axios) December 26, 2024

The Scale of Russia’s Christmas Day Attack

The Russian assault involved a barrage of cruise missiles and drones targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as “inhuman,” highlighting the severity of the sustained aerial assault. Ukraine’s air force reported that the attack involved 78 air and ground missiles and 106 Shahed drones, resulting in significant damage to critical power grid equipment.

“Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhuman? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones,” the Ukrainian president said on Telegram.

Despite the intensity of the attack, Ukraine’s air defenses managed to intercept 59 of 78 Russian missiles and 54 of 102 drones. However, the strikes still resulted in injuries to at least six people in Kharkiv and one fatality in Dnipropetrovsk. The attack left half a million people in the Kharkiv region without heating and caused blackouts in Kyiv, underscoring the humanitarian impact of Russia’s military strategy.

International Response and Support

The international community has rallied behind Ukraine in the wake of the attack. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the assault and praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Japan has pledged an additional $3 billion from frozen Russian assets, bringing its total aid to Ukraine to $12 billion.

“I condemn this ongoing assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure,” Starmer said. “I pay tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the leadership of President Zelenskyy, in the face of further drone and missile attacks from Putin’s bloody and brutal war machine with no respite even at Christmas.

The U.S. and its allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine until it overcomes Russian aggression. This unified stance sends a clear message to Moscow about the resolve of the international community in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Looking Ahead: Potential Shift in U.S. Strategy

As the conflict continues, the upcoming change in U.S. leadership may bring a new approach to the Ukraine crisis. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, has indicated a preference for resolving the conflict expediently. Trump has appointed retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic strategy.

While the immediate focus remains on supporting Ukraine’s defense and infrastructure recovery, the international community watches closely for any developments that could lead to a resolution of this protracted conflict. The coming months will be critical in determining the long-term trajectory of U.S. involvement and the prospects for peace in the region.