**US Diplomats Seek Exemption for Ukraine Aid**
The US State Department is trying to get an exemption for Ukraine-related programs from a 90-day foreign aid freeze. The freeze was imposed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and affects hundreds of foreign aid contracts worth over $70 billion.
Diplomats in the State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs have asked for a full waiver to exclude US Agency for International Development (USAID) operations in Ukraine from the freeze. They cited national security concerns as the reason.
The email sent to USAID staff in Ukraine said that the request had “positive signals” from Washington, but it was unclear if it would be approved or not.
**Impact of the Freeze**
The 90-day foreign aid freeze has put hundreds of foreign aid contracts on hold. This includes funding for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure development in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials and NGOs have warned that the pause could jeopardize these critical initiatives.
However, military assistance to Ukraine remains unaffected by the freeze. A Ukrainian government official confirmed that military aid is still being provided.
**Context**
The freeze was imposed as part of a broader effort to make the US “safer, stronger, and more prosperous”. It excludes specific exemptions for Ukraine within non-military programs, unlike waivers for Israel, Egypt, and emergency food aid.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has been vocal about his support for protests against Slovakia’s government. He wrote on X that Bratislava is not Moscow and that Slovakia is part of Europe.
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