Source: Biden's statement, released by the White House
Direct quote from Biden: "In the early hours of Christmas, Russia launched waves of missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure.
The aim of this outrageous attack was to cut off the Ukrainian people’s access to heat and electricity during winter and jeopardize the security of the energy system."
Details: Biden emphasized that "the Ukrainian people deserve to live in peace and security." He added that the United States and the international community must continue to support Ukraine until it achieves victory over Russian aggression.
Direct quote from Biden: "In recent months, the United States has provided Ukraine with hundreds of air defense missiles, and even more are on the way.
I have directed the Department of Defense to continue ramping up arms supplies to Ukraine, and the United States will keep working tirelessly to strengthen Ukraine's position in its defense against Russian forces."
What preceded this: On the night of December 25, Russian occupiers carried out a combined strike on fuel and energy sector facilities in Ukraine using various types of air, ground, and sea-launched missiles, as well as Shahed-type strike drones and other types of imitation drones.
On Christmas night, the Defense Forces destroyed 55 cruise missiles, 4 guided air-to-surface missiles, and 54 enemy drones out of 184 aerial targets launched by Russia.
Recall that:
- The WSJ reported that the Biden administration will not be able to send Ukraine military aid for all the funds approved by Congress before its term ends in January 2025, with some relevant authorities passing to Donald Trump's team.
- The Pentagon states that they have reached the limit of weaponry that can be sent to Ukraine monthly without compromising their own combat readiness, and they are also facing logistical issues in delivery.
- Earlier, it was reported that Biden asked Congress for an additional $24 billion in military aid to Ukraine and to replenish the stockpiles of American weapons that have been sent to Kyiv. However, the future Congress, which will be predominantly Republican, is lukewarm to this request.
- At the same time, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the current American administration believes that Ukraine will have enough military assistance to fight until the end of 2025, which the U.S. has already provided or plans to provide before the end of Joe Biden's term.