Trump administration redirects Ukraine aid to Latin American allies
The White House moved tens of millions of dollars from Ukraine-focused military assistance to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, sparking sharp criticism from Congress.
In a controversial shift, the Trump administration redirected tens of millions of dollars from a military aid package approved for Ukraine and NATO allies to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The State Department had notified Congress of the intention in September, yet Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Representative Gregory Meeks moved to block the transfer through procedural means. Three officials said the administration ignored the congressional block and continued with the plan, informing lawmakers late on a Wednesday.
Lawmakers expressed strong displeasure, emphasizing that the original funds were meant to support Ukraine and its European partners after Russia's invasion. The State Department defended the move as a more efficient use of resources in Latin America and aligned with the administration's broader strategic focus on the western hemisphere. The reallocation follows recent visits by Secretary Marco Rubio to Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to garner support for U.S. initiatives against drug trafficking and illegal migration.
Why it matters
Redirecting aid intended for Ukraine raises concerns about U.S. commitment to European security and congressional oversight.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 ICC leaders warn diplomatic isolation threatens global rule of law
- Sep 22 EU announced a €3.3 billion release for Ukrainian missile and drone purchases.
- Sep 22 Trump told reporters he wants to stop sending diesel abroad, citing the surge in diesel costs driven by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is reviewing whether a full or partial ban is feasible. Republican Senate hopefuls, including Ashley Hinson, have urged the government to adopt the ban to ease price pressures on Americans.
- Sep 23 Rural GOP lawmakers have publicly demanded action on diesel exports ahead of the November election.
- Sep 23 Interim President Delcy Rodriguez told the UN General Assembly that Venezuela will hold elections as part of a transition to full democracy, without specifying a date.
- Sep 24 President Trump announced support for a diesel export ban.
- Sep 24 The interim leader publicly pledged future elections.
- Sep 26 The European Union has asked the administration to keep U.S. diesel exports flowing amid the price surge.
- Sep 26 At the UN General Assembly, Sergej Lavrov declared that the threat to Russian security will be eliminated and that peaceful life will return, while accusing Europe of blocking peace talks.
- Sep 27 German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a bilateral meeting with Sergej Lavrov at the United Nations, the first such talks at this level since the conflict began.
- Sep 27 Rodriguez announced that Venezuela will hold future elections.
- Sep 28 Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski publicly urged Lavrov to end the war during a UN Security Council debate.
- Sep 29 The government announced a lift of the defence budget to a record level for the next fiscal year.
- Sep 29 Trump said he will look into limiting diesel exports.
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