Summary
The State Department has ended a major USAID initiative to restore Ukraine’s energy grid, which has suffered continuous Russian attacks.
The move, seen as a signal of declining U.S. support, also includes downsizing USAID’s presence in Ukraine from 64 to just 8 personnel.
Officials warn this could leave Ukraine vulnerable, especially during winter, and reduce oversight of financial aid.
Additionally, a financial sector reform program has been terminated. The decision is part of the broader Trump administration policies shifting away from strong U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
The kind of control Putin exerts over Trump depends on Trump thinking he’s in control, when he is most obviously to anyone with eyes, not.
On the other hand, Putin control Lukashenko, and Lukashenko knows it.