ISW Warns: Cutting Ukraine Aid Risks Strengthening Russia and Adversaries

The ISW cautions that cutting military aid to Ukraine may weaken U.S. negotiating power, ultimately favoring Russia in the conflict. Tensions arose during a recent meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian leaders, raising concerns over future military support. Consistent aid is critical for Ukraine’s defense and for maintaining U.S. influence against adversaries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) underscores the peril of the United States reducing military aid to Ukraine, arguing that such a move would weaken America’s bargaining position and potentially benefit Russia in the ongoing conflict. Recent discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding military aid shifted towards controversy, leading to an uncertain future for existing support.

During a meeting that addressed a U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement, tensions escalated, resulting in the withdrawal of the Ukrainian delegation from the White House. President Trump publicly chastised President Zelenskyy for allegedly ignoring calls for peace talks and rejecting concessions to Russia, while Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of security assurances for a potential ceasefire, given Russia’s historical violations of previous agreements.

Since the onset of the invasion, the U.S. has provided over $65.9 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, establishing itself as the largest supplier of support. President Zelenskyy has been vocal about Ukraine’s reliance on this U.S. aid to sustain its defensive efforts against Russia. The ISW has identified a direct connection between the consistency of Western support and Ukraine’s success on the battlefield, especially during periods of sustained assistance that have hindered Russian advances.

Ukrainian forces have effectively utilized U.S.-provided military technologies, such as Patriot defense systems and HIMARS long-distance missiles, creating significant operational disruption for Russian troops. This ongoing military pressure coincides with expected strategic challenges for Russia, enhancing the U.S. position for future negotiations over peace.

The ISW warns that discontinuing U.S. military aid would not only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin but also affirm his belief in achieving total victory through aggression. The potential reduction of U.S. support might embolden adversaries like Iran, China, and North Korea, reflecting a broader geopolitical risk of diminishing American influence worldwide.

The continued U.S. support for Ukraine is presented as a commitment to safeguarding democracies against global threats. Abandonment of Ukraine could signal to other nations that the U.S. may similarly withdraw from allied commitments, prompting increased global tensions and challenges to U.S. authority internationally.

In summary, the ISW warns that halting U.S. military assistance to Ukraine could undermine U.S. influence globally, embolden adversaries, and jeopardize Ukraine’s war efforts. Maintaining aid is crucial for sustaining Ukraine’s defense and asserting U.S. commitment to its allies. The analysis suggests that the fate of Ukraine is intertwined with broader geopolitical stability, making continued support essential.

Original Source: euromaidanpress.com