**US Haults Most Foreign Aid Grants, Including Ukraine Assistance**
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has announced a new guidance that stops spending on most foreign aid grants for 90 days. This means that funding for many countries, including Ukraine, will be put on hold.
According to a document obtained by the news outlet Politico, the guidance requires staff to issue “stop-work orders” on nearly all existing foreign assistance awards. This is effective immediately.
The US government has been providing military assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. But now, with Rubio’s new guidance, it seems that this aid will be halted for at least 90 days.
**Broader Impact Than Thought**
Rubio’s directive goes beyond a recent executive order by President Donald Trump, which called for a 90-day pause on foreign aid grants while the secretary reviews them. The president’s order left some ambiguity about whether already appropriated funds or Ukraine aid would be affected, but Rubio’s directive makes it clear that no further actions will be taken to disburse funds for already approved programs.
The sweeping nature of the mandate has shocked many within the State Department. Officials believe the halt will affect key allies, including Ukraine, Jordan, and Taiwan.
**Concerns About Impact on US Reputation**
American officials are concerned about the potential impact on these partners and the exposure of the US government to lawsuits for unfulfilled contracts if the terms are found to be violated. The omission of Ukraine aid is particularly concerning for American officials who see supporting Ukraine as essential to defeating Russia.
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