Blow for Zelenskyy as US reduces military aid for Ukraine

A Ukrainian lawmaker has warned that the planned reduction in U.S. financial aid to Kyiv in the next budget will result in more casualties, as Russia ramps up aerial bombardments and peace talks remain stalled.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed during a congressional hearing that there will be a “reduction” in the budget allocated to aid for Ukraine.

In response, Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, said the decision would severely impact Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.

"Such a reduction will lead to more casualties on the Ukrainian side, including among the civilian population. Anyone in the U.S. who supports reducing military aid to Ukraine becomes morally responsible for the increased civilian casualties," Merezhko explained.

Under the Biden administration, the United States has been Ukraine’s most significant military backer. However, this strong support has begun to wane amid shifting political priorities, especially following the return of Donald Trump to the political scene.

(QG - Source: Newsweek - Picture : © Unsplash)