Description: Rachel Reeves, UK’s finance minister has announced that Ukraine would receive the second part of a $3 billion military aid package planned for 2025. The assets for Ukraine would come from frozen Russian assets in European financial institutions and would be used to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses with modern systems which could tackle Russia’s superior aerial warfare capabilities. The announcement comes as Russia conducted unsolicited deadly attacks on the city of Sumy which left more than 35 civilians dead and 117 injured, who attended the Palm Sunday ceremony in a local church. The UK has pledged to unequivocally support Ukraine in deterring Russia with a $50 billion military aid package outlined for the next 5 years.
Impact: The attack in Sumy further proved Russia’s unyielding position towards continued warfare if their maximalist demands weren’t met in a framework agreement which would effectively see Ukraine capitulating. The conflict continues to overstate strategic differences between the US and Europe as the US are fruitlessly pursuing a potential ceasefire agreement while Europe is still fueling Ukraine with weapons and financial aid, much needed for its defense. Recent statements from US high level officials such as Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellog signal that the US would be willing to force Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, which is concerning on a different level considering that Russia would be the exception that proves the rule of aggression and the benefits that it entails. Ukraine is left stranded as it fights for its existence and independence, while Europe still hasn’t dusted off the deterioration in strategy with the US on the Ukraine question and still hasn’t outlined a precise strategy to approach potential resolutions to the war.