U.S. Diplomats Seek Exemption for Ukraine Aid in 90-Day Rubio Freeze

Jan 25, 2025, 11:19 PM

Senior U.S. diplomats have urgently requested an exemption for Ukraine-related programs from a 90-day foreign aid freeze and "stop work" orders issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The freeze, which excludes Israel and Egypt, has raised concerns about its impact on schools, hospitals, and economic development projects in Ukraine. The State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs has cited national security concerns in its request for a full waiver to continue USAID operations in Ukraine. While USAID in Ukraine has temporarily delayed issuing "stop work" orders, some organizations have already begun shutting down operations. The freeze is part of a broader directive by the Trump administration to halt most foreign aid programs temporarily. Since the start of the conflict, the U.S. has provided $65.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine.