US to continue surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine: Biden

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden vowed on Thursday to bolster Ukraine militarily against Russia after its overnight aerial attacks, according to a statement released by the State Department.

“I have directed the Department of Defence to continue its surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, and the United States will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in its defence against Russian forces,” Biden said, per the statement.His remarks came after Ukraine on Wednesday accused Russia of launching “inhumane” Christmas Day airstrikes across the country, injuring at least six people.

Biden said in the early hours of Christmas that Russia launched waves of missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure.

“The purpose of this outrageous attack was to cut off the Ukrainian people’s access to heat and electricity during winter and to jeopardize the safety of its grid,” he added.

The president stressed that the Ukrainian people deserve to live in peace and safety and the US and the international community must continue to stand with Ukraine “until it triumphs over Russia’s aggression.”

During the presidential election campaign, Trump questioned the level of US involvement in the conflict, suggesting European allies should bear more of the financial burden. Some of his fellow Republicans - who will control both the House of Representatives and Senate starting next month - have also cooled on sending more aid to Kyiv.

This stance - despite previous strong support in the US Congress for sustained or expanded support for Ukraine - has raised concerns among Ukraine’s supporters about the future of US assistance under Trump.