The problem for Ukraine is not one of budgeting. Foreign policy is largely the domain of the president especially since the legislature has given up on war powers and doing anything to restrict the use of force.
Ukraine isn’t winning with the resources and backing it currently has, and it was losing ground even when supported by the comparatively enthusiastic Biden admin. Trump (correctly in my view) believes the situation will continue to deteriorate and that Ukraine is best off negotiating an end to the war as soon as it can before the terms get even worse.
Congress can’t compel Hegseth to conduct the war in a certain way, what Trump wants is what he is going to get until he leaves more or less. Which means Ukraine needs to hold out until 2029, at which point the damage will be done most likely.
Edit: I know the US isn’t fighting the war directly but the use of its intelligence sharing, materiel, and logistical/soft power have been indisposable to the conduct of the war before Trump came back. If he can’t be forced to be more generous with these things, which he can’t, he can force the war to end and worsen Ukraine’s position however much he would like to. A prospect that becomes more and more likely the more irritated he gets with what he perceives as Ukraine not cooperating with his goals.
The problem for Ukraine is not one of budgeting. Foreign policy is largely the domain of the president especially since the legislature has given up on war powers and doing anything to restrict the use of force.
Ukraine isn’t winning with the resources and backing it currently has, and it was losing ground even when supported by the comparatively enthusiastic Biden admin. Trump (correctly in my view) believes the situation will continue to deteriorate and that Ukraine is best off negotiating an end to the war as soon as it can before the terms get even worse.
Congress can’t compel Hegseth to conduct the war in a certain way, what Trump wants is what he is going to get until he leaves more or less. Which means Ukraine needs to hold out until 2029, at which point the damage will be done most likely.
Edit: I know the US isn’t fighting the war directly but the use of its intelligence sharing, materiel, and logistical/soft power have been indisposable to the conduct of the war before Trump came back. If he can’t be forced to be more generous with these things, which he can’t, he can force the war to end and worsen Ukraine’s position however much he would like to. A prospect that becomes more and more likely the more irritated he gets with what he perceives as Ukraine not cooperating with his goals.