Impact of US Aid Package on Ukraine-Russia Conflict

The Impact of US Aid on the War in Ukraine: A Closer Look

In a long-awaited move, the US approved a substantial aid package of $60.8 billion for Ukraine in April of this year. The aid included much-needed weapons and ammunition for the frontlines, a request that Kyiv had been desperately making for months.

But how has this aid impacted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine? According to Nichita Gurcov, an analyst for the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the aid may have actually prompted Russia to escalate its offensive actions.

Gurcov explained to Sky News that the arrival of weapons may have pushed Russia to act quickly to claim as much ground as possible before facing stronger resistance. He noted that Russia resumed its offensive in October last year after thwarting a Ukrainian attempt to cut off the land corridor to Crimea.

ACLED data shows a clear increase in Russian offensive actions following the announcement of the US aid package. In April, seven settlements were captured, followed by nine in May and 11 in June. The spike in May was attributed to the Russian re-invasion of the northern Kharkiv region.

Additionally, the number of reported battles has also seen a significant increase, reaching an all-time high since the invasion. Gurcov pointed out that the intensifying offensive in the Donetsk region is contributing to this spike in fighting.

Overall, the impact of the US aid package on the conflict in Ukraine has been complex, with the aid potentially fueling Russian aggression and leading to a surge in battles and captured settlements. The situation on the ground remains fluid, with both sides continuing to engage in fierce fighting.