The Biden administration recently marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by announcing a new $2 billion weapons package and a series of sanctions against key Russian industries and government officials. The announcement came just after President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, making him the first U.S. president in modern history to visit a war zone without American troop protection.
The new weapons package includes unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare detection equipment, and additional ammunition for arms already provided to Ukraine by the U.S. and its allies. This package will not be pulled from the Department of Defense’s own stocks, but instead will be purchased for Ukraine under a new contract.
In addition to the new weapons package, the Biden administration announced sanctions that will pressure Russia’s energy, financial, and industrial sectors. It will impose travel and property restrictions on hundreds of Russia’s ministers, regional governors, and military personnel. The State Department also plans to impose visa restrictions on over 1,200 members of Russia’s military and bar entry to the U.S. for three Russian military officials for their involvement in “gross violations of human rights.” New sanctions will be placed on dozens of Russian officials and several companies and vessels, including the Russian Federal Nuclear Center and the Kremlin’s maritime intelligence agency.
Criticism of Biden’s efforts to address the situation has been raised, including the notion that the administration has acted too slowly. Some Republicans have also spoken out against providing additional aid to Ukraine. However, the Biden administration has pledged to continue holding Russia accountable and supporting Ukraine through security, economic, and humanitarian assistance.