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Trump weighs end to protective status for Ukrainian refugees in U.S.

07.03.2025 08:30
President Donald Trump acknowledged on Thursday that his administration is considering revoking the special protective status granted to some 240,000 Ukrainians who entered the United States after Russia’s invasion, potentially leading to their deportation.
US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 06 March 2025. Trump signed executive orders to pause tariffs on USMCA trade from Canada and Mexico until 02 April 2025.
US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 06 March 2025. Trump signed executive orders to pause tariffs on USMCA trade from Canada and Mexico until 02 April 2025. EPA/AL DRAGO

Despite earlier denials from the White House, Trump told reporters he would decide soon.

“We certainly don’t want to hurt them, but some people think it’s the right thing to do, others don’t. I’ll make a decision shortly,” Trump said at a press conference.

Pressure on Kyiv

The move follows Trump’s decision to suspend arms shipments and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, increasing pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to accept Washington’s terms for a ceasefire and negotiations with Russia.

According to analysts, threatening to remove legal protections for Ukrainians in the U.S. could be part of broader efforts by the White House to secure Ukrainian concessions.

(jh)

Source: IAR