Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Ukraine's $200 Billion U.S. Aid, Zelensky Asks 'Where is the Money"?
On February 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said he had only received $75 billion of the $175 billion the United States had spent on Ukraine. The cry went up, what happened to the other $100 billion? Was it lost or stolen? The answer is no. Only part of the aid goes through Ukrainian control. A large part pays for activities as a result of the war but not to Ukraine directly. These include the United States training of Ukrainian forces, global humanitarian assistance, additional costs of U.S. surge forces in Europe, and intelligence support for both NATO and Ukraine.
As CSIS has reported before, “aid to Ukraine” is a misnomer because 90 percent of military aid is spent in the United States. Of aid overall, 60 percent is spent in the United States, about 25 percent is spent in Ukraine, and the final 15 percent is spent globally.
Q1: What did President Zelensky say that started this controversy?
A1: In an interview with the Associated Press on February 2, Zelensky stated: When I hear that America gave Ukraine hundreds of billions [of dollars], 177, to be more precise . . . as the president of a warring country, I can tell you that we received just over 75 . . . We are talking about specific things, because we got it, not with money but with weapons. There is training, there is additional transport, there are not only prices for weapons. There were humanitarian programs, social, etc. . . . $100 billion of these 177, we never received. When it’s said that Ukraine received $200 billion to support the army during the war, that is not true. I don’t know where all the money is.
The statement is a bit confusing since he was speaking off the cuff in a video interview. He refers to both $177 billion and $200 billion. He speaks about supporting the “army” where aid helped all elements of the Ukrainian armed forces, and he appears to include only weapons as aid “received.”
Q2: How was that interpreted?
A2: Many people asked where the “missing” $100 billion went and seized on the statement, “I don’t know where all the money is.”
Comment sections of media reports flamed with accusations of corruption and malfeasance. Some online commentators speculated about corruption by the CIA, Ukrainian officials, or former President Joe Biden. Some linked it to viral social media claims alleging a conspiracy involving U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) payments to celebrities to visit Ukraine. Others cited this as evidence of government waste, suggesting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) investigate and identify cuts. DOGE had previously raised concerns about the U.S. government’s ability to track aid to Ukraine. Members of Congress and Elon Musk, who leads DOGE, amplified posts questioning the misuse of aids.
General Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, denied these interpretations. He noted that “we have a pretty good accounting of where it is going” and that most appropriated funds are spent in the United States.
Nevertheless, the controversy has had an effect. In private conversations, Republican congressional staff members say that the confusion and hint of corruption have poisoned the possibility of further aid, at least in the near term.
Q3: So, what happened to the “missing” $100 billion?
A3: The short answer is that it is not missing. The funds went (mostly) to activities that arose because of the war, and all are accounted for. Some paid for sending equipment and funds directly to Ukraine. A large part went to activities that arose because of the war but were not spent in Ukraine. To see why this is the case, it is important to look at the funding as a whole.
Since 2022, Congress has appropriated $175.2 billion in aid as a result of the war in Ukraine, a slight difference from the $177 billion that Zelensky cites. This includes all funds in the five supplemental appropriations, $900 million in the regular budget but excludes $9 billion in loans. Most has been delivered, and most of the remainder has been obligated through contracts and binding commitments. However, it will take many years for all the contracts to be completed and the money disbursed.
In past analyses, CSIS has divided aid to Ukraine into categories to illustrate the different purposes. Figure 1 shows how the $175 billion is laid out in seven categories. It’s all there, the $75 billion Zelensky cites and the “missing” $100 billion.
Military equipment: Replacement of equipment sent to Ukraine from U.S. stockpiles (through Presidential Drawdown Authority) and foreign military financing of equipment for Ukraine. U.S. industrial base and general Department of Defense (DOD) spending: Items that enhance U.S. military capabilities, particularly the defense industrial base, but are not directly related to the war in Ukraine. Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI): Mostly money for Ukraine to procure equipment directly from U.S. manufacturers, also supports maintenance of Ukrainian equipment, training of Ukrainian personnel and units, and Ukraine-related intelligence activities.
U.S. forces: Funds for the extra costs of U.S. forces that surged to Europe in response to Russian aggression. Some of these surge forces have returned to the United States, but others remain. Humanitarian aid: Aid to relieve suffering because of the war. Mostly done through nongovernmental organizations in Europe for Ukrainian refugees, though some is spent in the United States and Ukraine. Some of the budget is also spent on global food relief. About $3 billion has gone to international development, unrelated to the war.
Economic: U.S. funds are provided to the Ukrainian government through the World Bank to make up for lost tax revenues and to keep governmental services operating. Other U.S. agencies: Funds for activities in U.S. agencies other than the DOD, Department of State, and USAID, for example, for the Department of the Treasury to enforce sanctions and for the Department of Energy to safeguard nuclear materials.
March 23, 2025 - 50,000 Palestinians Have Been Killed. What?
That number - 50,021 - equates to about 2.1% of the 2.3 million pre-war population of the territory, or around 1 in 46 people.
A total of 113,274 others had been injured in the same period, the health ministry said.
International journalists, including the BBC, are blocked by Israel from entering Gaza independently, so are unable to verify figures from either side.
The figures released by the MoH for the number of people killed do not differentiate between civilians and fighters.
In November, the UN's Human Rights Office said its analysis showed close to 70% of verified victims over a six-month period were women and children.
In January, The Lancet medical journal published a study which suggested the death toll could in fact be substantially higher than official figures reported by MoH - by up to 41%.
The war was triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people, mainly civilians, were killed and 251 other taken hostage.
Israel responded to the 7 October attack with a massive military offensive, which has caused vast destruction to homes and infrastructure, in addition to those killed or injured.
The MoH also reported on Sunday at least 39 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of people killed to 673 since Israel resumed its military operations in the territory on Tuesday.
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Silent Determination to Protect One's Self & Property.
The Debate on Self-Defense
The idea of families arming themselves for protection is a contentious one. Advocates argue that owning firearms can provide a means of defense against threats like home invasions or carjackings. However, experts emphasize that self-defense is not solely about owning a weapon. Situational awareness, safety planning, and self-defense training are critical components of personal and family safety.
Addressing Carjackings and Holdups
Carjackings, often involving firearms, have become a growing concern. Experts recommend strategies such as maintaining situational awareness, avoiding high-risk areas, and keeping car doors locked and windows up when stationary6. In the event of an attack, prioritizing personal safety over material possessions is crucial.
Concerns About Tyranny
The rise in violent crimes has also sparked broader societal fears, including concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms and the potential for authoritarianism. Historians and political analysts suggest that defending democratic institutions and fostering community resilience are vital in countering such fears.
Moving Forward
While the increase in gun violence is alarming, solutions require a multifaceted approach. Strengthening community ties, advocating for effective gun control measures, and investing in public safety initiatives are essential steps. Families can also take proactive measures by creating safety plans, enrolling in self-defense classes, and staying informed about local crime trends.
The path forward lies in balancing individual safety with collective action to address the root causes of violence. By fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness, communities can work towards a safer future.
The Case for Armed Self-Defense
In situations where intruders are armed, physical confrontation or reliance on traditional self-defense techniques may not be enough. Proponents of firearm ownership assert that good citizens should have the freedom to protect themselves and their loved ones with equal force. They view this as a fundamental right tied to personal safety and security.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Friday, March 14, 2025
Russia's Response To Trump Is A Masterclass in Ukraine Ceasefire
I have seen inside Ukraine video images and it look very sad. No democracy, only fear and corruption. Young man are being kidnapped to the front lines and there are wire fences everywhere. Its very sad. And yet the media is NOT addressing this, only the FORCES. How bout we all start covering the "people of Ukraine" that can't talk, are fearful of talking. Even people outside the country are still fearful of talking about what is going on in Ukraine.
Monday, March 10, 2025
Friday, March 7, 2025
Even Ukraine Can’t Believe What NORWAY Just Did in Massive Support!
It is amazing how Europe is rallying to Ukraine and rightfully so. But why is Canada outspending support for Ukraine? Trudeau is offering and spending money that he should not be. He resigned and wa fired by the Canadian people. 90% of Canadian do not like Trudeau. Why would the Canadian government allow Trudeau to offer and negotiate Canadian taxpaper dollars? There should be a proxy in Canada to look after foreign affirs, but not Trudeau...who is known to be the most corrupt prime minister in Canadian history. Canada, get him OUT of international affairs, the people demand it.
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
"Trump Won't Forgive This" - Andrew Tate DESTROYS Zelenskyy
This is a must watch. Andrew Tate says it as it is like no other person could say. He is a straight shooter and many people will disagree with what he says due to his bravado and alpha male nature. But whatever and wherever you stand, you must listen to his honest, straight forward, in your face truth. Again, whether you like it or not...
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Konstantin Samoilov - USA/Russia Relations - US Investors Invited to Russia
Russians confused about USA, not the evil empire they thought. Putin wants to open door to USA minerals and inviting USA to do business in Russia. Z-Patriots do not know what to expect? Things really changing between Russia and USA. Is this a real triumph for USA/Russia relations. And will this help END the Ukraine conflict?