The United States has seen a decline in active political discussions regarding new forms of aid to Ukraine, raising concerns among allies and analysts
According to The New York Times, serious debates about continuing support for Kyiv are currently absent in the White House and Congress, despite the expiration of the previous U.S. aid package approved during Joe Biden's presidency. This signals a potential stalemate that could negatively impact U.S.-Ukraine relations in the fields of security and economics. Sources from Congress and analysts note that although military and financial support for Ukraine, shaped in recent months by the Biden administration, is likely to be the last in the near future, there are no active negotiations underway in Washington regarding new aid packages. According to informants, the upper echelons of government currently lack clarity on the next steps concerning Ukraine support. This creates a situation where Kyiv remains uncertain about future assistance, and allies are seeking guarantees from the U.S. regarding intelligence sharing and arms supplies. Of particular concern is the lack of assurances from the U.S. about continuing intelligence support. European diplomats report that the Americans have yet to provide clear guarantees that they will continue to act as a key partner in this area. This particularly pertains to the provision of intelligence necessary for Ukraine to time its strikes on Russian military positions and infrastructure, which are critical for the country's defense. The article emphasizes that in Brussels and other European capitals, there have been no even semi-committals about the next steps from Washington. Analyzing statements from Ukrainian diplomats suggests that U.S. leadership is currently more focused on what they "receive" from Kyiv rather than outlining plans and intentions for future assistance. This situation creates tension not only among diplomatic circles but also within Ukraine itself, which depends on Western support to counter aggression. Another important aspect of U.S.-Ukraine relations involves agreements on joint investments and access to Ukraine's strategic natural resources. As reported by NYT, after intensive closed-door negotiations, the Ukrainian government is considering a new draft agreement concerning access to minerals and natural wealth. Specifically, the deal would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s strategically vital resources—intelligence and control over these resources are seen as key elements for potential cooperation with Russia, which, according to experts, seeks to bypass Ukraine in implementing its plans. Sources indicate that negotiations over this agreement have been ongoing for more than six weeks, yet the initial draft has not been signed. Experts note that the goal of such arrangements is to create a basis for future compromises with Russia, essentially forming a "deal with Moscow." To advance this plan, either a ceasefire must be announced, or the issue must be postponed indefinitely, which has faced criticism from Ukraine and its allies. Amid this situation, it is worth recalling that the U.S. has recently proposed scenarios for European allies regarding peace negotiations. These include ideas of easing sanctions on Russia in exchange for a prolonged ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these proposals are initiated by former President Donald Trump, who, according to him, is not prepared to support any peace initiative unless there are clear signs of its feasibility. Currently, Kyiv and partners across Europe are growing anxious over the lack of active U.S. support on security matters. This raises concerns about Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian aggression over the long term without firm guarantees of assistance from the West. It remains unclear whether U.S.-Ukraine strategic plans will stay as they have been or if Washington will take steps to restore support lines, which are so essential to Ukraine in this difficult period.