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As the Biden administration enters its final months, it’s intensifying efforts to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression into 2024, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizing their commitment during his Brussels visit.
“President Biden has committed to making sure that every dollar we have at our disposal will be pushed out the door between now and Jan. 20,” when President-elect Donald Trump is due to be sworn in, Blinken said.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces "every dollar we have at our disposal will be pushed [to Ukraine] between now and January 20th" when Trump takes office.
Via @EricLDaugh pic.twitter.com/bSj0V7i6FN
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 14, 2024
Blinken stressed that NATO allies should concentrate on ensuring Ukraine maintains adequate resources for combat in 2025 or peace negotiations. He indicated flexibility in equipment provisions without specifying details.
The ongoing conflict shows no signs of diminishing, as evidenced by Russia’s recent sophisticated missile and drone assault on Kyiv, breaking a 73-day lull. The attack coincided with revelations about North Korean troops assisting Russian forces in the Kursk border region.
Ukraine faces mounting pressure in Donetsk’s eastern region, while political uncertainty looms regarding Trump’s potential presidency and its impact on crucial U.S. military support.
Wednesday’s Russian offensive targeted multiple Ukrainian regions, launching missiles and numerous drones. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted several threats through air defense systems and electronic countermeasures.
Disagree with Ian Bremmer's take here.
Trump blocked aid to Ukraine 12 months ago through Congress. Two key leaders talked with him in private – David Cameron and Andrzej Duda – and Trump relented. Duda may have gained insight into Trump's very specific thinking and motivation. https://t.co/TIK5i7MPQX— Edward Hunter Christie (@EHunterChristie) November 14, 2024
According to State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, North Korean forces, numbering over 10,000, are actively engaged in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces maintain control of captured territory. These troops receive Russian training in various combat skills, despite facing operational and communication challenges.
Russian forces have concentrated approximately 50,000 troops in Kursk, preparing for a counteroffensive at an undetermined date, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War.