Joe Biden bolsters Ukraine before Donald Trump’s return and possible Russia-friendly deal

In the waning days of his administration, President Joe Biden is pushing to strengthen Ukraine’s position against Russia before the return of Donald Trump to the White House.

That is because the president-elect has pledged to promptly end the grinding war started by Russia’s Vladimir Putin almost three years ago. That likely means a negotiated settlement, and Biden is trying to give Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the strongest possible hand.

Biden’s recent steps include, most notably, allowing Kyiv to hit military targets deeper inside Russia, a move that was immediately seen by Moscow and the Trump camp as a needless escalation.

Also in quick succession this week, the White House approved sending anti-personnel landmines, forgave nearly US$5 billion in debt, and sanctioned a major Russian bank that handles payments for natural gas sales.

Those steps, among others still under consideration, are part of Biden’s plans to do as much as possible to reinforce Ukraine before Trump takes office, according to a person familiar with the US stance, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations.

The strategy is intended to help Zelensky by showing that Ukraine has the potential to retaliate against Russia if it continues hostilities, the person said.