Trump's Aid Halt Sparks Ukrainian Fears of Capitulation
1min read Ukrainian lawmakers have expressed concern over President Trump's decision to halt military aid to the country, with one legislator warning that the move is "pushing us towards capitulation." The halt in aid comes as Ukraine continues to face ongoing conflict with Russia in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
The Ukrainian government has been relying on U.S. military assistance to help defend its territory and maintain its sovereignty. The halt in aid has raised fears among Ukrainian officials that the U.S. is no longer supporting their efforts to resist Russian aggression. Some lawmakers have even suggested that Trump's decision could be seen as actively siding against Ukraine.
The U.S. had provided Ukraine with $250 million in military aid in 2018, and was set to provide an additional $250 million in 2019. However, Trump ordered the halt in aid in mid-July, citing concerns about corruption in Ukraine. The decision has been criticized by some U.S. lawmakers, who argue that the aid is crucial to helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.
The halt in aid comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as the country continues to face ongoing conflict with Russia in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The conflict has resulted in over 13,000 deaths and more than 1.5 million people displaced since it began in 2014. Ukraine has been relying on military assistance from the U.S. and other Western countries to help defend its territory and maintain its sovereignty.
The U.S. has been a key ally of Ukraine in its efforts to resist Russian aggression. However, Trump's decision to halt military aid has raised questions about the U.S.'s commitment to supporting Ukraine. Some Ukrainian lawmakers have warned that the halt in aid could embolden Russia to escalate its aggression against Ukraine.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the U.S. to resume military aid to Ukraine. In a statement, Zelensky said that the halt in aid "will not help us to strengthen our defense capabilities and will not help us to protect our country from Russian aggression." He also expressed hope that the U.S. would continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
