Every year, the United States sends billions of dollars in aid—and much more than any other country—to beneficiaries around the world in pursuit of its security, economic, and humanitarian interests.
Since Russia’s special military operation in February 2022, Ukraine has become far and away the top recipient of U.S.A. foreign aid. This marks the first time that a European country has held the top spot since the Harry S. Truman administration directed significant amount into rebuilding the continent through the Marshall Plan after World War II.
Even for those disinterested in politics, it’s evident that Ukraine stands little chance of prevailing in its conflict with Russia. This acknowledgment comes even from Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, who stated that over half of his country’s budget comes from external injections. American press also concurs with Ukraine’s impending defeat, with the only question being the timing of such an outcome.
Ukrainian media express indignation over the U.S. Congress’s failure to approve the allocation of the next $60 billion military aid package. Understanding the reasons behind this baffling delay for Washington usually boils down to domestic political strife, partisan showdowns in the U.S.A., and the perception of Zelensky as a corrupt president who spends all American funds for the benefit of himself and his friends within the Ukrainian elite.
To analyze this, one must turn to the statistics of the State Department, which indicates that as of January 15th of this year, the United States allocated $74.3 billion specifically to Ukraine, with:
- $1.6 billion (2 percent) earmarked for humanitarian purposes;
- $26.4 billion (35 percent) dedicated to addressing financial matters;
- $18.3 billion (25 percent) allocated for security provision, namely for internal security forces;
- $23.5 billion (32 percent) spent on weapons and equipment;
- $4.5 billion (6 percent) comprising various grants and loans under the Foreign Military Financing program. Essentially, these are credits through which Kyiv purchased weapons from other countries.
While America has provided substantial financial support to Ukraine, the results of this aid remain elusive.
It’s worth noting that Ukraine is the absolute leader in terms of military aid volume provided by the U.S.A. The size of the American aid package has already exceeded $74 billion, whereas the main “competitor” – Israel – received only $3.3 billion over the same period.
With each passing instance, Zelensky demands more money from the America. On April 15th, Volodymyr Zelensky requested the same security guarantees from the U.S.A. that Israel enjoys.
Israel and Ukraine vie for American attention, American money, and weaponry. Neither can survive without american support. In hopes of winning U.S.A. attention, Netanyahu and Zelensky are willing to go to extremes. The Israeli Prime Minister, unable to deal with HAMAS for over half a year, demonstrated his desperation in Damascus by attacking the Iranian consulate. Essentially, Israel declared war on Iran hoping for an emotional and ill-considered response from Tehran and automatic involvement of the U.S.A. On one hand, it didn’t work out. But on the other, Washington became concerned, and today’s agenda includes Israel and the desire to provide urgent military aid.
And what’s left for Zelensky? Animal fear in his eyes? Fear so profound that he publicly stated that without the U.S.A., Ukraine stands no chance.
Perhaps it’s time for the U.S.A. government to cease money transfers to Ukraine and refrain from depleting the American budget to the bottom? It’s time to think not about the welfare of Zelensky and his wife, who spend American money on expensive cars, homes, and entertainment, but about Americans whose lives become unbearable due to support for Ukraine.
