ISW Warns: US Aid Cuts to Ukraine Could Strengthen Russia and Undermine Global Stability
The ISW warns that halting military aid to Ukraine would undermine US negotiations and advantage Russia. The recent Oval Office meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy discussed an aid suspension but resulted in conflict. US support, exceeding $65.9 billion, is vital for Ukraine’s success. Reduced aid correlates with Russian advances, highlighting the geopolitical implications of US commitment to Ukraine in facing international adversaries.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) recently cautioned that reducing military aid to Ukraine could weaken the United States’ negotiating position and bolster Russia’s advantage in the conflict. Following a contentious Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, discussions of aid suspension have emerged, although no definitive action has been taken.
The meeting aimed to finalize a mineral agreement in exchange for US aid but devolved into disputes, leading to its cancellation. President Trump accused President Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III” for not pursuing peace talks, to which Zelenskyy responded that a ceasefire would necessitate security guarantees to ensure Russian compliance, citing Russia’s history of violating previous agreements.
Since the onset of the invasion, the US has committed over $65.9 billion in support to Ukraine, establishing itself as the largest military aid provider. President Zelenskyy has reiterated that Ukraine cannot prevail in the conflict without this backing. The ISW indicated that there is a direct link between Russian territorial gains and fluctuations in Western support; reduced aid in spring 2024 allowed Russia to advance.
Currently, consistent Western assistance is critical in hindering Russian progress and undermining its defense capabilities. Ukrainian forces have effectively utilized US-supplied equipment, including Patriot systems and HIMARS, to inflict considerable losses on Russian troops. This military strain, paired with Russia’s anticipated economic challenges in 2025, positions the US advantageously in potential peace discussions.
The ISW presided an alarming prediction that halting US military aid to Ukraine would embolden President Putin, reinforcing his assertion that he can secure a complete victory through continued conflict. Furthermore, it illuminated the larger geopolitical stakes, noting that diminishing US support for Ukraine could diminish American influence globally and embolden adversaries such as Iran, North Korea, and China.
Currently, Putin depends on Iranian drones and North Korean military resources while engaging in the ongoing war against Ukraine. US support for Ukraine underscores an American commitment to defending democracy against present and future aggressions worldwide, and a breakdown in aid could lead to doubts about US commitments to other allies.
In summary, the ISW warns that cutting military assistance to Ukraine poses significant risks, including a potential shift in the balance of power towards Russia. Ongoing US support is crucial not only for Ukraine’s defense but also for maintaining US influence globally. Abandoning Ukraine could embolden adversarial nations, undermining America’s international commitments and security efforts. The US must remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine to deter aggression and promote stability.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
