U.S. aid freeze seen as unexpected boon for Moscow
The French newspaper Le Monde describes the U.S. decision to freeze aid to Ukraine as an "unexpected gift for Moscow," accusing President Trump's administration of using blackmail to pressure Volodymyr Zelensky into compliance. Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph argues that this move has motivated the Russian leader to continue his aggression against Ukraine.
Le Monde reports that the U.S. administration no longer views Ukraine as an ally, subjecting it to humiliation and increased risks. The newspaper adds that Donald Trump is determined to secure a truce at any cost.
The newspaper suggests that U.S. officials are looking for excuses to criticize the Ukrainian leader, potentially misinterpreting his statements as if preparing to make him a scapegoat in case their diplomatic efforts fail.
The U.S. decision to suspend aid places direct pressure on Zelensky, leaving him in a difficult position, according to expert and former military officer Peer de Jong on France Info. He noted that since Friday, there has been a noticeable chill in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
According to the France Info interviewee, replacing the missing aid with supplies from European countries will be challenging. The U.S. prohibits supplying equipment of American origin without its consent, and De Jong believes this decision will hinder diplomatic negotiations. The expert concluded that "the structure of the war in Ukraine is fundamentally changing."
U.S. President Donald Trump, by withholding military aid to Kyiv, has given Russian leader Vladimir Putin strong incentives to continue his offensive against Ukraine, according to the British newspaper "Daily Telegraph."
The newspaper warned that the prolonged suspension of U.S. aid would have devastating consequences. It further stated that if Trump does not restore support for Kyiv soon, Ukraine "will ultimately be overwhelmed."
The newspaper recalled that when Republicans in the U.S. blocked arms deliveries to Kyiv in 2023, it aided Russia in its offensive in eastern Ukraine, consequently leading to the capture of Avdiivka.
The Daily Telegraph highlighted that while European aid helped bridge the gaps at the time, it cannot immediately compensate for the loss of U.S. military support. Europe and Washington had been providing Ukraine with assistance at approximately $1.8 billion per month.
American aid was supposed to increase drastically
Although Ukraine's defense industry has increased production significantly since the beginning of the war, the line of defense against the Russians can only be temporarily bolstered with EU assistance before it is likely breached, the newspaper assessed.
The newspaper pointed out that U.S. aid was actually expected to increase significantly this year compared to the previous one, as American manufacturers are now fulfilling contracts signed at the beginning of the war.
In its analysis, what might prevent the American administration from canceling aid to Ukraine by 2028 are potential penalties Washington could face for breaking Kyiv's contracts with American arms manufacturers, despite Ukraine having paid for orders with funds provided by the U.S.
Trump may be "using negotiation tactics to achieve a deal he desires," assessed the "Daily Telegraph." "However, in doing so, he has given Putin every incentive to continue fighting and has left the courageous Ukrainian army in a difficult position," concluded the British newspaper.
