U.S. State Department pushes for unfreezing more aid to Ukraine – Politico
Senior officials at the U.S. State Department are working to expand exemptions to the freeze on foreign aid, aiming to unlock additional economic and security assistance for Ukraine, Politico reported on Feb. 25.
If approved, the exemptions will go beyond the “life-saving” aid already permitted worldwide by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which now funds programs like landmine clearance and anti-narcotics efforts.
Internal disagreements within the Trump administration?
Politically, the push for more exemptions signals internal divisions within Trump’s team on how to handle U.S. support for Ukraine.
When asked whether new exemptions for Ukraine had been granted, the State Department avoided a direct response, claiming instead that programs “serving U.S. national interests” will continue, while those that do not will be halted”.
However, a State Department official and two other sources told Politico that since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the U.S. Congress has allocated $175 billion in aid for Ukraine and other war-affected countries, as well as related programs.
While most of that funding has gone to military assistance, a smaller portion — about $3 billion — was earmarked for humanitarian aid. The sources noted that humanitarian funds are often more impactful, as essential supplies cost far less than weapons.
Proposed exemptions and bureaucratic hurdles
Drafted as early as late January, just days after Trump froze foreign aid, the proposed exemptions include funding for:
- General economic assistance
- Mine clearance efforts
- Counter-drugs programs
- Public health initiatives.
They also cover programs supporting democratic institutions and civil society in Ukraine, categorized under "transition initiatives" and assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia.
However, the exemptions do not apply to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which remain blocked.
Yuri Kim, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs, has been tasked with compiling a list of Ukraine-related programs from across the department.
Clashes over USAID and stalled payments
The exemption process has bypassed the State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance, led by Trump ally Peter Marocco, a well-known skeptic of foreign aid. Marocco took part in dismantling USAID, the U.S. government’s primary international development agency.
Many global aid organizations, including those in Ukraine, have been unable to secure funding or even determine whom to contact at USAID for exemption requests.
Even when exemptions are granted, payments remain frozen, preventing funds from reaching humanitarian organizations, a congressional aide speaking on condition of anonymity, said.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has formally urged Marco Rubio to prioritize exemptions for Ukraine.
During a recent visit to Ukraine and Poland, Shaheen witnessed firsthand the consequences of the aid freeze. She highlighted the case of a Polish organization providing psychiatric care to Ukrainian refugees, which had to cease treatment due to a lack of funding — leaving vulnerable individuals, including a young woman struggling with self-harm, without critical care.
"It was unbearable," Shaheen said, adding that the aid freeze is actively undermining U.S. national interests.
Trump’s foreign aid freeze
- Jan. 20 – On his first day back in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending foreign aid for 90 days, citing a need to review its alignment with U.S. national interests.
- Jan. 27 – USAID announced it had halted all program funding for 90 days, with no exceptions.
- Jan. 28 – The Ukrainian government began consultations with the U.S. regarding the restoration of USAID funding.
- Jan. 29 – Ukrainian lawmakers initiated discussions with European partners about potentially replacing lost U.S. assistance.
- Feb. 3 – Elon Musk, appointed by Trump to head the Department of Government Efficiency, announced efforts to shut down USAID, calling it a “criminal organization” that “has to die”.
- Feb. 7 – Trump publicly called for the complete closure of USAID in a post on Truth Social.
Trump has also appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the interim head of USAID, signaling further consolidation of control over foreign aid programs.
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