The New York Times columnists reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not manage to persuade U.S. authorities to supply Kyiv with tanks, fighter jets, or longer-range precision missiles during his visit.
They observed that the leader left Washington with a significant package of aid and weapons, yet not the items he most advocated for. Still, the columnists did not rule out a future shift, noting that the limits of American support have moved in Ukraine’s direction in recent times.
From their perspective, Zelensky departed the United States carrying nearly $2 billion in new weapons and equipment, alongside congressional pledges to deliver roughly $50 billion in additional aid next year.
Following Zelensky’s visit, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that the United States would continue to furnish Kyiv with the necessary equipment.
“In such moments, any president would want to secure those resources quickly, and we are ready to contribute and help in this regard,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden approved one item on the list of desired systems—the Patriot air defense battery.
The Times described Zelensky’s Washington trip as a vivid demonstration of his approach to “courting and pressuring allies.”
It noted that Zelensky understood he could not obtain everything he sought, but he believed that pairing steady demands with the front’s precarious situation would push Washington to reassess its principles, as the paper stated.
What will the U.S. not send to Ukraine?
The Times, citing unnamed U.S. officials, attributed the shift in posture on some weapons to a change in the nature of the war rather than its level, emphasizing concerns at the White House about risks.
The Biden administration chose to deploy the Patriot battery after Russia intensified strikes on Ukraine’s electricity grid as winter approached.
Nonetheless, certain weapons remain off the table, according to the Times. They can be grouped into three categories.
The first category includes AHMS missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers. The United States does not supply them, fearing that their use could escalate the conflict and widen the war.
During a joint press conference with Zelensky, Biden warned that arming Ukraine could test NATO unity. “They will not seek war with Russia,” he said, stressing that the alliance is not aiming for a Third World War.
At the same time, some retired U.S. commanders argue that the administration may overstate escalation risks and underestimate Ukrainian military innovation.
The second category encompasses MQ-1C Gray Eagle and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft. They are not being supplied because there is concern that Russia could exploit the technology if captured.
Finally, the White House remains reluctant to commit to sending M1 Abrams tanks and F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv. Pentagon officials say it would take months to train crews and ensure the systems could be safely deployed in a combat zone.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy noted that Ukraine needs more ammunition, but warned that stockpiles and domestic production capabilities are limited. He told the Times that meeting new aid demands could become harder as Republicans gain control of the House while Democrats hold a Senate majority.
Predictions on conflict dynamics
Observers from the Global Times’ Chinese edition argued that the U.S. pledge of additional financial and military aid could overshadow prospects for peace in Ukraine.
They suggested that continued American intervention might intensify the conflict, framing support for Kyiv as a pillar of the U.S.-led world order in politicians’ view.
According to the columnists, Zelensky’s trip signaled his readiness to keep the conflict alive and to press for stronger backing, despite ongoing disagreements on several issues and divergent priorities between the parties involved.
Earlier, the White House announced a new $1.85 billion military aid package for Ukraine that included a Patriot air defense system, 500 guided artillery rounds, 37 Cougar armored vehicles, grenade launchers, mines, and light weapons.