How reliant is Ukraine on US support - and could Kyiv carry on without it?
Key Points:
- US-Ukraine relations have deteriorated recently, with President Trump criticizing Zelensky for not negotiating peace and Kyiv accusing Washington of withholding military support amid ongoing Russian attacks.
- The Trump administration halted new aid packages to Ukraine in early 2025, though the US remains the largest single donor historically, having provided $131.5 billion, while the EU now outpaces the US in total aid.
- Ukraine continues to rely heavily on US intelligence, advanced military technology like Patriot interceptors and Starshield satellite internet, with recent disruptions raising concerns about Ukraine's defense capabilities.
- Political tensions have grown as the US waived new sanctions on Russia and allowed diesel exports, moves seen as undermining Ukraine and potentially emboldening Russia's war effort.
- Experts warn that these strains could damage US credibility as a defense supplier and weaken Western unity, though some tensions may ease post-US midterms; Ukraine continues to push for better missile support and sustained sanctions on Russia.