Biden Administration Delivers Long-Awaited Ukraine Strategy Report to Congress, Sources Indicate

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON – The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has submitted a classified report on its strategy for the war in Ukraine to Congress, according to three sources on Monday. This comes months after a June deadline established in a substantial spending bill lawmakers passed in April.

A congressional aide indicated that the long-awaited report was received on Monday, but legislators had not yet had the opportunity to review its contents. Two additional sources, who requested anonymity due to the classified nature of the information, confirmed the delivery. The White House has not responded to requests for comment.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began 2-1/2 years ago, Congress has authorized nearly $175 billion in aid and military support for Ukraine and its allies.

Following a prolonged delay, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved a $95 billion supplemental spending bill in April, which allocated $61 billion specifically for Ukraine, alongside funding for Israel, assistance to civilians in war-affected regions worldwide, and initiatives aimed at countering China in the Indo-Pacific.

As part of the legislation, Congress mandated that the Biden administration provide a detailed strategy for Ukraine by early June.

Biden’s backing for Ukraine enjoys support from both Democrats and many Republicans in Congress, though some Republicans have voiced criticism regarding the administration’s limitations on how Ukrainian forces can use U.S. military equipment. Notably, the administration has refrained from providing weapons capable of striking deep inside Russia.

The rationale behind these restrictions includes concerns over the limited availability of missiles, a lack of justification for their use given that most Russian aircraft are currently out of range, and fears that such actions could escalate the conflict.

As weeks passed without the report after the deadline, some lawmakers expressed frustration and indicated that they might consider halting further funding.

In an August statement regarding the report, Senator Jim Risch, the leading Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, affirmed his support for aiding Ukraine while stressing the need for a clear strategy.

"From the onset of Putin’s war on Ukraine, we have requested a strategic outline from the Biden-Harris Administration on how the U.S. and our allies can effectively support Ukraine in its fight," Risch stated. "When our requests went unanswered, we mandated by law that a strategy be sent to Congress, yet the deadline has passed without a response. President Biden and Vice President Harris owe it not only to us but also to the American people to provide a strategic plan. Their lack of response raises concerns that they may not have one or are hesitant to disclose it."