Ukraine ‘Determined’ to Maintain US Ties After Aid Halt
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Loading... - Omari Hussein
- 05 Mar 2025
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In the wake of President Donald Trump's decision to suspend US military aid to Ukraine, the Ukrainian government is making efforts to maintain strong ties with Washington. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal emphasized the importance of the US as a partner, stating, “Ukraine is absolutely determined to continue cooperation with the US,” and underscoring the need to preserve this relationship.
The halt in aid has raised concerns in Ukraine and among European allies about a potential shift in US foreign policy, with fears that America may be pivoting away from its traditional allies and toward Moscow. Shmygal highlighted that US and Western security guarantees are “existentially important” for both Ukraine and Europe, and he expressed Kyiv's readiness to sign a strategic minerals extraction deal that Trump has demanded.
Trump's decision sent shockwaves through Ukraine, with many viewing it as a betrayal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed the move, suggesting it could push the Ukrainian government toward a peace process. He stated, “If the United States stops military supplies, this would probably be the best contribution to peace.”
The European Union, which has been excluded from US-Russian negotiations regarding a potential truce, is now scrambling to increase its support for Ukraine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen recently announced an EU plan to mobilize approximately 800 billion euros ($840 billion) for defense, aimed at significantly enhancing military support for Ukraine.
Poland's government expressed concern over the US decision, noting that it was made without consulting NATO allies. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated that the impact of the aid suspension was already being felt at a logistics hub for Ukraine located in Poland. Reports confirmed that the US pause in military aid has taken effect immediately, affecting hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weaponry intended for Ukraine.
Ordinary Ukrainians have reacted with shock and anger, perceiving the aid halt as a betrayal. Sofia, a 33-year-old financial assistant in Kyiv, described the situation as “like a stab in the back.” Another army volunteer, Sergiy Sternenko, accused Trump of wanting Ukraine’s surrender and the loss of its territories.
Despite the setback, Prime Minister Shmygal vowed that Ukraine would “do everything to hold out” in the face of the US aid cut. Aides to President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that discussions were ongoing with European partners to explore alternative support options.
Zelensky has yet to publicly comment on the aid suspension, but he recently visited Washington to sign a multi-billion-dollar minerals deal, which did not materialize following his confrontation with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trump has criticized Zelensky, labeling him a “dictator” and suggesting that Ukraine should be “more appreciative” of US support.
As Ukraine seeks robust security guarantees to end the war, it is looking to other Western-backed measures, especially as the US opposes its bid to join NATO. Following crisis talks in London, Britain and France are exploring the possibility of proposing a one-month truce between Ukraine and Russia, potentially supported by ground troops.
The suspension of US military aid has created a challenging situation for Ukraine, prompting the government to seek alternative support while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining strong ties with the United States. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, Ukraine's leadership is focused on securing the necessary backing to navigate the ongoing conflict and ensure its sovereignty.
