President Biden increased support for Ukraine’s defense with a $425 million security package, which includes ammunition, armored vehicles, and other weapons, during a call with President Zelensky. This development comes as Biden prepares for his final trip to Europe as commander-in-chief to reinforce the significance of Western alliances ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Former President Trump has criticized U.S. aid to Kyiv as he seeks re-election.

Biden will use his meeting with German Chancellor Scholz to thank him for Germany’s support of Ukraine and its contribution to a prisoner swap that freed three Americans from Russia. However, Germany’s support of Ukraine has impacted its auto and manufacturing sectors and led to a drop in Scholz’s approval ratings.

Biden will also hold a virtual meeting with Western leaders to support Ukraine, previously scheduled to be held in person at Ramstein Air Base in Germany but postponed due to Hurricane Milton. He does not plan to meet with Zelensky during his trip. Additionally, Biden will visit Luanda, Angola’s capital, in early December to strengthen ties with African nations before his term ends, viewing Africa as a central aspect of global competition due to its young and rapidly growing population.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/16/us/politics/biden-ukraine-aid.html