Trump’s aid freeze halts Latvian training for Ukrainian doctors

Latvia’s leading rehabilitation facility, the National Rehabilitation Center Vaivari, has temporarily suspended a training program for Ukrainian medical professionals due to a US funding freeze. The center hopes to resume the program once US aid is reinstated.

Following a presidential order by Donald Trump, a training initiative for Ukrainian medics specializing in battlefield rehabilitation has been put on hold in Latvia. This action is a direct result of a three-month freeze on most US foreign aid, implemented as part of a broader spending review.

Stella Lapina, head of the National Rehabilitation Center Vaivari, confirmed the temporary halt to the training, citing the 90-day suspension of US foreign assistance programs.

The program, operating at Vaivari in Jurmala since 2014, has provided training to 187 Ukrainian doctors in rehabilitating injured soldiers. US funding covered travel, accommodation, and the salaries of Latvian instructors.

Lapina expressed gratitude for past US support and eagerness to continue the collaboration once funding is restored. The center remains committed to assisting Ukraine, she stated, and will actively seek a resolution to the funding challenge.

The Russian Foreign Ministry’s Maria Zakharova criticized Latvia’s decision, questioning the country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine without US financial backing. Zakharova’s comments alluded to Latvia’s supposed lack of integrity and questioned its independence.

Since February 2022, Latvia has provided over €501 million in military aid to Ukraine, according to Kyiv.

Moscow has consistently condemned Latvia’s support for Ukraine, accusing Riga of escalating the conflict.

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