Biden to impose new sanctions on Moscow before Trump's arrival - Reuters
Photo: US President Joe Biden (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
President Joe Biden will announce new sanctions this week aimed at Russia's economy. These will be imposed as part of efforts to strengthen Kyiv's military capabilities before Donald Trump's inauguration, Reuters reports.
According to an American official, details of the sanctions Biden will impose in the final days of his presidency are not yet available. Still, Biden's aides are informing Trump's staff about their steps.
The American official said such steps are being taken against the backdrop of the Biden administration preparing new military aid to Ukraine worth $500 million. The aid should include anti-aircraft missiles, air-to-ground ammunition, and support equipment for F-16 fighter jets.
The return of elected president Donald Trump to the White House on January 20 has sparked discussions about a diplomatic settlement that could end Russia's invasion, but it has also raised concerns in Kyiv that a swift peace may come at a high cost.
Trump's advisers have put forward proposals to end the war that would effectively result in handing over a significant part of the country to Russia in the foreseeable future.
Biden's aides say they want to put Ukraine in the most advantageous position on the battlefield to gain leverage for potential negotiations with Russia this year.
Washington's assistance
An American official said that most of the weapons and ammunition promised to Ukraine had been delivered, with the remainder on the way. Critical ammunition supplies for Ukraine are now in good condition, the official added.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government has regularly insisted on more weapons support than Biden was initially willing to provide, but ultimately delivered, leading to tense private meetings on topics such as Abrams tanks, F-16 fighter jets, and longer-range ATACMS missile systems.
The American official stated that none of these steps have brought serious results for Ukraine on the battlefield.
According to the American official, Ukraine may require security guarantees, including potential NATO membership, to deter future Russian aggression after peace talks.
Meanwhile, US military officials are studying North Korean operations in the war to assess how they could handle any conflict in Asia. It is believed that thousands of North Korean soldiers are supporting the Russians in the war with Ukraine.
The official said the United States is also likely to impose sanctions on more Chinese companies for their attempts to support Russia.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said last month that Washington continues to seek to cut Russia's oil revenue and limit its access to foreign supplies to fuel its war against Ukraine.
