Trump’s Pause on Ukraine Aid Hurt Its Readiness, Watchdog Finds

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that the pause in military aid to Ukraine, ordered by former President Donald Trump, negatively impacted Ukraine's readiness and preparedness to defend itself. The pause, which lasted from July to September 2019, hindered Ukraine's ability to "cease hostilities with Russia and restore its sovereignty," according to the U.S. European Command (EUCOM). The GAO report states that the pause violated the Impoundment Control Act, which requires the executive branch to spend appropriated funds. The report also found that the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) did not provide adequate justification for the pause, and that it undermined the purposes for which the aid was appropriated. The findings come as the U.S. continues to provide significant military and financial assistance to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The report highlights the importance of timely and effective aid delivery in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities and national sovereignty.