Ukraine left alone: U.S. cuts aid, minerals deal proves illusory

This signal, voiced by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at a congressional hearing, is clear: Washington no longer considers supporting Ukraine a priority. And this is not just a technical correction to the budget—it is a fundamental change of course that leaves Ukraine alone with the enemy at a critical moment in history.

"We see the war not as a battle for victory, but as a conflict that must be stopped through negotiations," Hegseth cynically commented, adding that the concept of "Ukraine's victory" does not have a clear definition. Such statements are not just indifference. 

"This is a capitulation logic that fully corresponds to the position of the 45th and 47th U.S. President: to give Ukraine into Russia's sphere of "influence" in exchange for calm in domestic American politics."

Aid that will not come

In 2024, the U.S. provided Ukraine with over$44 billion in military aid. In 2025, volumes decreased by almost 40%, according to open data from the GAO and the Pentagon. And for 2026, the Trump administration plans to reduce the FMF (Foreign Military Financing) program for Ukraine to a symbolic minimum. According to ISW analysts, this will mean the actual cessation of regular supplies of SAMs, artillery, and drones, which formed the basis of Ukraine's defense on the front. 

More than 60% of all air defense in Ukraine today depends on American Patriot, NASAMS systems, and related weapons. Reducing supplies is not just "politics." This is a direct risk to lives: in Kharkiv, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kyiv. This means more dead children, more destroyed hospitals and energy systems.

Minerals agreement: fiction that did not become guarantee

In April 2024, the Ukrainian authorities hastily signed a framework memorandum on strategic cooperation with the U.S. in the field of critical minerals extraction. The media rushed to call it the "deal of the century"—allegedly, American companies would ensure Ukraine's security in exchange for access to lithium, titanium, and rare earth metals.

Half a year has passed—not a single investment project has been launched. No American company has entered into a real contract with Ukrainian state-owned companies. And the USAID initiative to support geological exploration was frozen back in February 2025. The U.S. simply outplayed Ukraine on its own field, leaving the "agreement" a dead letter, which is now not even mentioned in the State Department.

Ukrainians are left alone

While Europe is gathering for emergency summits to find new ways to support Ukraine, the United States is de facto abdicating responsibility. And they are doing this by appealing to a peace that actually means a cold exchange: silence for Washington—and fire for Kharkiv. 

President Zelenskyy has already warned that reducing aid could destroy not only Ukraine's defense capabilities but also the stability of all of Europe. However, these words are drowning in the roar of Donald Trump's pre-election slogans, who is ready to trade allies for a few votes in Pennsylvania or Ohio.

Conclusion

American policy towards Ukraine is no longer a partnership. It is transactional. And in this deal, it seems, Ukraine is paying with lives for promises that are not being kept. The minerals agreement is a phantom. And the reduction in aid is a reality. Ukrainians should honestly face the facts: Washington will not save us. We must stand—alone, with weapons that we ourselves must produce.

Source

About the author. Vladyslav Smirnov, Ukrainian entrepreneur, public figure, specialist in planning and development of the healthcare system.

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by blog authors.