ISW Warns: Cutting Ukraine Aid Could Strengthen Russia and Weaken US Influence
The ISW warns that cutting US military aid to Ukraine could embolden Russia and weaken US negotiating leverage, following a contentious meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy. Since the invasion began, the US has provided over $65.9 billion in aid, which has proven essential for sustaining Ukrainian defenses. The implications of aid reduction could extend beyond Ukraine, affecting US influence worldwide and empowering adversarial nations.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warns that halting US military aid to Ukraine could weaken the US’s negotiating position and favor Russia on the battlefield. Amid discussions during a recent meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy, the possibility of cutting aid to Ukraine is being considered but has not yet been finalized.
The meeting, initially aimed at discussing a mineral agreement for aid, turned contentious and resulted in the Ukrainian delegation leaving empty-handed. Trump publicly admonished Zelenskyy for allegedly jeopardizing global peace efforts and for refusing to appease Russia, while Zelenskyy insisted that any ceasefire requires firm security guarantees from Russia.
Since the start of the Russian invasion, the US has provided over $65.9 billion in aid, cementing its role as Ukraine’s largest military supporter. Zelenskyy has stressed that Ukraine’s victory is contingent on continued American support. Moreover, the ISW observes that fluctuations in Western assistance directly correlate with changes in Russian territorial control.
Observations indicate that when Western aid diminished in the spring of 2024, Russia made significant battlefield gains. The ongoing influx of support has been pivotal in staving off Russian advances and disrupting their military logistics. Ukrainian forces have utilized US-supplied systems effectively, leading to heavy losses for Russian troops.
The ISW also posits that if the US were to cease military support for Ukraine, it would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to escalate his demands and pursue unchecked military ambitions. Furthermore, discontinuing aid could diminish US global influence and empower adversaries like Iran, North Korea, and China, who are already supporting Russia’s war efforts.
US backing for Ukraine symbolizes a commitment to defending democratic values and discouraging future aggression worldwide. An impression of abandonment could prompt adversaries to challenge US alliances elsewhere. Overall, the ISW encapsulates the larger geopolitical stakes involved in the support for Ukraine and the potential repercussions of reduced aid.
In summary, the ISW emphasizes the critical role of US military assistance to Ukraine in maintaining both battlefield balance and global geopolitical stability. A suspension of aid could not only embolden Russia but also weaken US influence globally, encouraging adversarial nations to test US commitments. The ongoing support illustrates America’s dedication to defending democracy and resisting aggression.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
