President Trump is expected to announce a new plan to supply Ukraine with advanced Patriot missile defense systems, with NATO countries funding the purchase, as part of efforts to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russia.
The Biden administration is rushing to send billions of dollars in additional weaponry to Ukraine, driven by concerns over Russia's battlefield gains and the potential for a policy shift once President-elect Donald Trump takes office. This move has sparked internal debate about the impact on U.S. military stockpiles and resources needed for other global commitments.
Ukraine's military spy chief is seeking Canada's 83,000 decommissioned CRV7 ground attack rockets to replenish its dwindling arms supply, as they face shortages amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Canada has yet to hand over the rockets, citing concerns over their safety and stability, but Ukraine remains eager to acquire them. The request underscores Ukraine's reliance on Western support for its war efforts, with the US having provided significant security aid since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
The Biden administration is facing scrutiny for bypassing Congress to supply tank shells to Israel during the conflict in Gaza. The administration has also been criticized for not conducting continual assessments of whether Israel is committing possible war crimes. Israeli tanks have reportedly reached the center of Khan Younis, while heavy fighting continues in other areas of Gaza. The death toll in Gaza is nearing 18,000 Palestinians, with thousands injured. Israel has been accused of abuses, including stripping male detainees and releasing near-naked pictures and videos. The US found itself isolated at the UN when it was the only vote against an immediate ceasefire. The new details on arms supplies to Israel are likely to draw criticism from US allies and progressive voters.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev accused France of destabilizing the South Caucasus region by arming Armenia and creating conditions for a new war. France, along with European and U.S. partners, stated that they are working towards a just and durable peace in the region. Azerbaijan recently recaptured the Karabakh region from Armenia, leading to an influx of ethnic Armenians fleeing to Armenia. Azerbaijan now seeks an advantageous peace deal with Armenia and has taken a tough stance towards Western countries, particularly France and the United States. Concerns have been raised about Azerbaijan potentially capturing more territory in southern Armenia to establish a corridor to its exclave of Nakhchivan. Azerbaijan, however, denies such intentions and expresses willingness for bilateral peace talks with Armenia without Western mediation.
US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth has called on Congress to provide additional support to ensure the supply of arms to Israel and Ukraine. She emphasized the need for Congress to increase the Pentagon's capacity to expand production and fund munitions, stating that additional support is crucial for the US to meet the defense needs of its allies.
Poland has announced that it will no longer supply weapons to Ukraine due to pressure from the far right and concerns about Russian aggression. The Polish government clarified that it will only provide previously agreed ammunition and armaments. The decision has raised concerns about Poland's commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Additionally, there is a growing dispute between Poland and Ukraine over a grain ban, and concerns about the influx of refugees. The move comes as Ukraine continues to seek advanced weapons and equipment, including longer-range missiles, and the US is also exploring ways to provide further support.
UK defense giant BAE Systems has established a local entity in Ukraine and signed agreements to increase the supply of weapons and equipment to Kyiv. The move allows BAE to work directly with Ukraine to explore partnerships and potentially produce light artillery in the country. This comes as Britain has become a major defense supplier to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. The agreements were made after Ukraine and Sweden signed a statement of intent to strengthen cooperation in the production and operation of armored vehicles. Ukraine aims to boost its military supplies and create jobs in an economy impacted by the war. BAE Systems, Europe's largest defense contractor, is already providing training and repair services to Ukraine's military.
Ukraine criticizes Bulgarian President Rumen Radev for blaming Kyiv for Russia's ongoing war and suggesting that supplying arms to Ukraine prolongs the conflict. The Ukrainian Embassy in Sofia rejects Radev's stance, emphasizing that Ukraine was attacked by Russia and that providing defense funds does not increase casualties but saves lives. Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov counters Radev's position, placing the blame for the war on Russian President Vladimir Putin and his administration.
The Kremlin has warned that any decision by South Korea to supply arms to Ukraine would make Seoul a participant in the conflict. South Korea has so far stopped short of sending weapons, but President Yoon Suk Yeol has opened the door to such deliveries. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the start of arms deliveries would obliquely mean a certain stage of involvement in this conflict.