State Department prepares list of exceptions for partial unblocking of aid to Ukraine – Politico
Photo: US President Donald Trump (GettyImages)
US State Department officials are compiling a list of exceptions to the frozen aid to Ukraine. This could open access to certain types of economic and security support that have currently been suspended, Politico reports.
According to the media resource, if this plan is approved, the exceptions would go beyond those that Secretary of State Marco Rubio allowed worldwide for “core life-saving” aid to fund programs such as demining and counter-narcotics efforts.
However, it is unclear whether an exception will be made for foreign military funding controlled by the State Department for Ukraine.
Practically, there is uncertainty about whether additional aid to Ukraine will reach Kyiv even with the new exceptions, given that previously approved exceptions for humanitarian aid have been largely blocked. However, politically, efforts to expand exceptions for Ukraine hint at internal disagreements within Trump's team on how to deal with Kyiv.
The State Department declined to answer whether new exceptions for Ukraine had been made, stating in its statement that “programs that serve our nation’s interests will continue. However, programs that aren’t aligned with our national interest will not.” Representatives of the State Department and the National Security Council did not respond to requests for comment on whether additional exceptions for Ukraine are being discussed.
According to the document, plans for exceptions date back to at least late January, just days after the Trump administration implemented a broad freeze on foreign aid. The exceptions proposed in the document pertained to a wide variety of programs - from general economic support to landmine clearance, drug control, and health programs.
Questions about US aid to Ukraine
After Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election in November 2024, there were concerns about the possible cessation of American aid to Ukraine.
In February, Trump assured that support would continue, but emphasized that funding must be properly justified.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy evaluated the consequences of halting US aid. He noted that it would affect 20%. According to him, Ukraine is currently receiving military aid that was voted on and allocated before Trump took office.
“We are grateful that it hasn’t been stopped, but due to the slowdown in deliveries, it is still coming... $15 billion is on the way, so nothing has been stopped, but nothing new has been announced,” said President Zelenskyy on February 23.
