U.S. Diplomats Seek Exemption for Ukraine from Marco Rubio's 90-Day Foreign Aid Freeze Citing National Security

Jan 25, 2025, 08:27 PM

U.S. diplomats are advocating for an urgent exemption for Ukraine from a 90-day freeze on foreign aid and 'stop work' orders imposed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Citing national security concerns, senior officials from the State Department's Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs have requested that Ukraine-related programs be excluded from the freeze. This request is part of ongoing discussions regarding U.S. support for Ukraine amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Despite Rubio's orders, USAID in Ukraine has reportedly paused the implementation of 'stop work' directives, indicating a potential conflict between U.S. agencies and the Secretary of State's directives.