ISW Warns of Dire Consequences from Cutting Aid to Ukraine
The ISW warns that halting military aid to Ukraine would compromise U.S. negotiating power, strengthen Russia’s position, and embolden adversaries. Tensions during a recent meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy have sparked discussions about potentially reducing support. The ongoing assistance has been crucial for Ukrainian defense and international stability.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has issued a warning that suspending military assistance to Ukraine would significantly undermine the United States’ negotiating power and potentially favor Russian advancements on the battlefield. Following a contentious February 28 meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Trump administration is considering halting military aid, although no official decision has yet been made.
During the Oval Office discussion, which was meant to finalize a U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement in exchange for military aid, tensions escalated, resulting in the cancellation of the signing and the departure of the Ukrainian delegation. President Trump criticized President Zelenskyy for his approach to peace talks, claiming he was “gambling with World War III” by not conceding to Russia’s demands, while Zelenskyy insisted that any ceasefire must include security guarantees due to Russia’s history of violating agreements.
Since the onset of the invasion, the U.S. has provided over $65.9 billion in support for Ukraine, establishing itself as the primary military aid provider. President Zelenskyy has often reiterated that Ukrainian victory is unattainable without U.S. assistance. The ISW notes a direct link between pauses in Western support and instances of Russian territorial gains, highlighting how earlier reductions in aid allowed Russia to make significant advances.
The steady stream of Western assistance is critical in ensuring Ukraine can maintain its defense against Russian advances. Ukrainian military forces have effectively utilized U.S.-supplied systems, such as the Patriot air defense system and HIMARS long-range strike capabilities, to inflict severe losses on Russian troops while restricting their territorial gains. Furthermore, mounting economic challenges for Russia indicate that U.S. leverage in potential peace negotiations is stronger now.
The ISW posits that a suspension of U.S. military assistance would embolden President Putin, leading him to escalate his demands and reinforcing his belief in the possibility of achieving total victory through warfare. The report further highlights the global implications of reduced U.S. support to Ukraine, suggesting it could diminish U.S. influence and encourage adversaries like Iran, North Korea, and China to test America’s commitments to its allies.
President Putin continues to depend on Iranian drones alongside North Korean missiles and troops in the conflict against Ukraine. The United States’ backing of Ukraine symbolizes its dedication to protecting democratic nations from ongoing and future threats globally. Abandoning Ukraine could signal to adversaries that the U.S. may be willing to discard other allies, potentially destabilizing international relations.
In summary, the ISW emphasizes that cutting military aid to Ukraine would not only weaken America’s negotiating position but also embolden adversarial nations while undermining global U.S. influence. A consistent flow of support has been critical for Ukraine’s defense and efforts to counter Russian advances, reinforcing the idea that U.S. involvement is pivotal not just for Ukraine’s success but for maintaining global stability and security.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
