Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a blunt message about the role of American support in Ukraine's survival, saying the country would not exist as a sovereign state without U.S. aid.
"If it were not for the assistance of the United States, including under the Trump Administration, there would be no Ukraine right now," Rubio said. "Ukraine as a sovereign state would not exist."
Ukrainian Bravery Acknowledged
Rubio was careful to praise Ukrainian fighters, but made clear that their courage alone was not enough without American support.
"That doesn't mean the bravery of the Ukrainian fighters should not be highlighted because they have absolutely very bravely and fought for their country and done extraordinary things with the aid that's been provided to them, standing up to a much larger country," he said.
Billions in Aid Under Two Administrations
The Secretary noted the scale of U.S. assistance, referencing billions of dollars going back to the Biden administration and continuing under the current one.
"Let's be very clear there. There would be no Ukraine today where not for the assistance of the United States has supplied Ukraine in the billions of dollars going back to the Biden administration and going through this administration as well," Rubio said.
The remarks underscore the administration's position that American aid has been decisive in Ukraine's ability to withstand the conflict.
