U.S. to Cut Ukraine Aid in Budget, Reaffirms Air Defense Support
The Trump administration is set to reduce military aid to Ukraine in the upcoming defense budget, a move that could limit the delivery of critical air defense systems needed to counter Russia’s continued missile attacks, The Gaze reports, citing AP News.
“It is a reduction in this budget,” U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers. “This administration takes a very different view of that conflict. We believe that a negotiated peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties and our nation’s interests, especially with all the competing interests around the globe.”
To date, the United States has provided over $66 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Despite the budget cuts, the U.S. Department of State reaffirmed its support for meeting Ukraine’s air defense needs.
“The President and the Secretary of State have spoken at many events that we certainly are and have been the biggest supporter and defender of Ukraine in the literal sense. And that we want them to have protection in the form of surface-to-air missiles,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce during a Tuesday press briefing in Washington, as reported by Ukrinform.
While Bruce declined to comment on the specifics of future weapons sales, she referenced ongoing discussions about the potential transfer of American air defense systems from European partners.
“There are a number of different negotiations and aspects related to this dynamic, which do not pertain to the State Department, including ammunition, procurement (of weapons), and so on. But I do know for certain that we are doing and want to continue doing everything we can, there is no question about that,” Bruce added.
Read more on The Gaze: Usyk urges Trump to spend a week in Ukraine to witness life under Russian bombardments