**US Supreme Court Orders Trump Administration to Unfreeze Foreign Aid**
The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration must restart payments for remaining USAID projects worth nearly $2 billion. The court made a split 5-4 decision, but did not explain its reasoning or provide a timeline for when the payments must be restarted.
**Cuts to Foreign Aid Remain in Place**
Despite this ruling, the Trump administration’s cuts to foreign aid will still go ahead. Over 90% of USAID foreign aid contracts will be terminated, cutting $60 billion from foreign assistance. This includes 5,800 out of 6,200 USAID contracts and 4,100 out of 9,100 State Department grants.
**Global Health Groups Challenge Cuts**
Multiple global health groups challenged the Trump administration’s cuts to foreign aid for work already completed by February 13. The White House initially appeared not to comply with a court order but eventually appealed the decision.
**USAID Funding in Ukraine**
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, USAID has provided $2.6 billion in humanitarian aid, $5 billion in development assistance, and over $30 billion in direct budget support to Kyiv. The agency has funded school reconstruction, bomb shelters, critical energy repairs, and civil society initiatives.
**Russia’s Invasion Continues**
Russian forces struck a hotel in Kryvyi Rih with a missile on March 5, killing two people and injuring 28. Ukraine is working with private and EU partners to replace funding sources for key projects in energy infrastructure, veterans’ affairs, and more.
**Peace Talks Underway**
Ukrainian and American delegations will meet soon for peace talks, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak said on March 5. Ukrainian and European officials are working on a plan for the first steps toward a just and sustainable peace as Russia’s full-scale invasion enters its fourth year.
**US Intelligence Sharing Halted**
The US has halted intelligence sharing with Kyiv, threatening Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian targets amid the full-scale war, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed to Fox Business on March 5.
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