US authorities advocating for the release of frozen Ukraine aid, according to the FT
US diplomats have called on the government to grant an exemption for Kiev from a 90-day suspension of foreign aid, according to the Financial Times. Read Full Article at RT.com.
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Diplomats are said to have requested that the government make an exception for Ukraine as President Trump suspended most of Washington’s foreign aid programs.
According to the Financial Times, several U.S. diplomats have urged the State Department to carve out exceptions for Ukraine-related initiatives following Trump’s broad suspension of foreign aid. This order potentially puts at risk support for Ukrainian schools, hospitals, and infrastructure projects, though military assistance remains unaffected.
On behalf of the President, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued directives on Friday to halt any new foreign aid expenditures for 90 days. A leaked cable referenced by the newspaper reveals that contracting and grant officers from the State Department and USAID were instructed to “immediately issue stop-work orders… until such time as the secretary shall determine, following a review.”
The report mentions that by Saturday evening, numerous organizations in Ukraine received directives to suspend their operations until further notice.
Nonetheless, USAID in Ukraine has largely opted to ignore Rubio's directive for “stop work” orders pending further clarification from Washington, according to the Financial Times. American diplomats advocating for the resumption of aid to Kiev reportedly hope to change Rubio’s mind. An email sent to USAID staff in Ukraine on Saturday stated, “We do not know at this time whether this request will be approved — in whole or in part — but there are positive signals thus far out of Washington.”
The publication asserts that Rubio’s suspension could jeopardize support for infrastructure, energy, and economic development projects in Ukraine, while American military assistance remains unaffected. An unnamed Ukrainian government official stated, “military aid to Ukraine is intact. At least as of now, and it is certainly not part of this 90-day freeze."
President Trump announced the halt of U.S. foreign development aid on Monday, mere hours after his inauguration, citing the need to evaluate the effectiveness and alignment of aid with U.S. foreign policy. The only exceptions to this freeze are military funding for Israel and Egypt, as well as foreign emergency food aid, with Ukraine not included in the exceptions.
Since February 2022, the U.S. has provided over $65 billion in military aid to Ukraine, according to State Department figures. However, Trump has expressed skepticism regarding this assistance, indicating that Ukraine has “had enough” and advocating for a peace agreement with Russia. His administration reportedly aims to resolve the conflict between Kiev and Moscow in 100 days, threatening additional sanctions against Russia should it refuse to negotiate. While Moscow remains doubtful about this timeline, it has indicated a willingness to discuss terms.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
According to the Financial Times, several U.S. diplomats have urged the State Department to carve out exceptions for Ukraine-related initiatives following Trump’s broad suspension of foreign aid. This order potentially puts at risk support for Ukrainian schools, hospitals, and infrastructure projects, though military assistance remains unaffected.
On behalf of the President, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued directives on Friday to halt any new foreign aid expenditures for 90 days. A leaked cable referenced by the newspaper reveals that contracting and grant officers from the State Department and USAID were instructed to “immediately issue stop-work orders… until such time as the secretary shall determine, following a review.”
The report mentions that by Saturday evening, numerous organizations in Ukraine received directives to suspend their operations until further notice.
Nonetheless, USAID in Ukraine has largely opted to ignore Rubio's directive for “stop work” orders pending further clarification from Washington, according to the Financial Times. American diplomats advocating for the resumption of aid to Kiev reportedly hope to change Rubio’s mind. An email sent to USAID staff in Ukraine on Saturday stated, “We do not know at this time whether this request will be approved — in whole or in part — but there are positive signals thus far out of Washington.”
The publication asserts that Rubio’s suspension could jeopardize support for infrastructure, energy, and economic development projects in Ukraine, while American military assistance remains unaffected. An unnamed Ukrainian government official stated, “military aid to Ukraine is intact. At least as of now, and it is certainly not part of this 90-day freeze."
President Trump announced the halt of U.S. foreign development aid on Monday, mere hours after his inauguration, citing the need to evaluate the effectiveness and alignment of aid with U.S. foreign policy. The only exceptions to this freeze are military funding for Israel and Egypt, as well as foreign emergency food aid, with Ukraine not included in the exceptions.
Since February 2022, the U.S. has provided over $65 billion in military aid to Ukraine, according to State Department figures. However, Trump has expressed skepticism regarding this assistance, indicating that Ukraine has “had enough” and advocating for a peace agreement with Russia. His administration reportedly aims to resolve the conflict between Kiev and Moscow in 100 days, threatening additional sanctions against Russia should it refuse to negotiate. While Moscow remains doubtful about this timeline, it has indicated a willingness to discuss terms.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
