Ukraine war escalates as Biden sends $20bn loan before Trump presidency

Both sides scramble to put their forces in best position in preparation for expected change in US foreign policy

The grinding war between Ukraine and its Russian invaders has escalated ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, with President Joe Biden rushing out billions of dollars more in military aid before US support for Kyiv’s defenses is thrown into question under the new administration.

Russia, Ukraine and their global allies are scrambling to put their side in the best possible position for any changes that Trump may bring to American policy in the nearly three-year-old war. The president-elect insisted in recent days that Russia and Ukraine immediately reach a ceasefire and said Ukraine should probably prepare to receive less US military aid.

Topics

US gives $20bn to Ukraine funded by seized Russian assets

The move means Russia is being forced to "bear the costs of its illegal war", the US Treasury said.
BBC News - 22h
Russia-Ukraine war live: Zelenskyy suggests foreign troops could be deployed to Ukraine before Nato membership agreed

Leader says soldiers ‘could be present in Ukraine for as long as it isn’t part of Nato’. The EU’s defence and space commissioner, Andrius Kubilius , has told Politico he wants the bloc’s next ...
The Guardian - 2d
Ukraine war briefing: Trump urges China to help end Ukraine war

After meeting US president-elect, Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautions that Ukraine needs a ‘just and robust peace, that Russians will not destroy within a few years’. What we know on day 1,020. See all ...
The Guardian - 2d
Ukraine war briefing: Scholz confident of developing ‘joint strategy’ on Ukraine with Trump

German chancellor wants Ukraine’s sovereignty guarantees but rules out providing Kyiv with long-range Taurus missiles. What we know on day 1,018. The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, is confident ...
The Guardian - 4d
The V.I.P. Trains Shuttling World Leaders Like Biden to War-Torn Ukraine

With airspace closed and missiles flying, visiting Kyiv typically means 10 hours on bumpy tracks — even for presidents, prime ministers and business magnates. It’s plenty of time to reflect.
The New York Times - 5d
Biden administration under pressure to forgive more student loan debt before Trump takes office

With just a little more than a month and a half left in office, President Joe Biden is under pressure to forgive more student loan debt.
CNBC - 5d
Ukraine Opens Talks With Trump Team on Halting War With Russia

A top Zelensky aide has arrived in Washington in the midst of uncertainty over the president-elect’s intentions.
The Wall Street Journal - 6d
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy delegation meets with Trump team – report

Top Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak involved, sources tell Reuters; Sullivan calls on Trump to maintain defence production ramp-up. What we know on day 1,016 Continue reading...
The Guardian - 6d
President Biden Pardons His Son Hunter Weeks Before Trump Takes Office

The pardon comes weeks before President Biden leaves office and transfers power to President-elect Donald J. Trump, who spent years attacking Hunter Biden over his legal and personal issues.
The New York Times - Dec. 2