The ISW warns that reducing military support to Ukraine would undermine US negotiating power and embolden Russia, potentially yielding adverse geopolitical consequences, including diminished US influence and increased aggression from global adversaries. Continued military assistance is deemed critical to Ukraine’s defense capabilities and essential for upholding US commitments to global democracy.
In a recent assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), it was highlighted that halting military assistance to Ukraine would pose severe risks to the United States’ negotiating strength and potentially favor Russia on the battlefield. This evaluation follows a contentious meeting held on February 28, between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which discussions about a US-Ukraine mineral agreement broke down amid tensions.
President Trump accused President Zelenskyy of risking global conflict by resisting peace negotiations and urged him to make concessions to Russia. In response, President Zelenskyy insisted that any ceasefire would necessitate security guarantees, citing prior breaches of ceasefire agreements by Russia. The United States has provided over $65.9 billion in aid to Ukraine, positioning itself as the leading military supporter of the country, a fact Ukrainian leadership has deemed vital for their war efforts.
The ISW underlines a direct connection between Russian territorial gains and interruptions in Western support; when aid diminished in spring 2024, it allowed Russia to advance. Presently, consistent Western assistance is critical in stalling Russian operations and disrupting their defense capabilities. Ukrainian forces have effectively utilized American-provided systems, such as Patriot air defense and HIMARS, to inflict severe losses on Russian troops while maintaining limited gains for the adversary.
The ISW maintains that the suspension of US military aid would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin, reinforcing his belief in the feasibility of achieving total victory through warfare. This situation carries noteworthy geopolitical consequences, as a reduction in support could diminish US influence and empower adversaries like Iran and North Korea, who are already involved in the conflict.
The report concludes that US military support for Ukraine exemplifies its commitment to defending global democracies against ongoing threats. A perceived abandonment of Ukraine by the US might embolden adversaries worldwide to test American commitments, potentially destabilizing alliances and increasing geopolitical tensions.
The ISW warns that disbanding military support for Ukraine could significantly weaken the United States’ negotiating power and embolden Russia, with multiple geopolitical implications. The assessment stresses the importance of continued aid for Ukraine as essential for sustaining its defense and as a demonstration of the US commitment to global democracy. The potential fallout from an aid suspension could embolden adversaries and jeopardize America’s standing on the international stage.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
