US government cuts Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty funding

US President Donald Trump issued a decree on March 15 cutting grants for the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) network, following a decision to reduce funding for seven federal agencies, according to a statement from RFE/RL's President and CEO, Stephen Capus, Report informs via RBC Ukraine.

He stated that RFE/RL defunding would be a massive gift to America’s enemies.

“The cancellation of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s grant agreement would be a massive gift to America’s enemies. The Iranian Ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years. Handing our adversaries a win would make them stronger and America weaker," Capus claimed.

The network benefitted from strong bipartisan support throughout RFE/RL’s storied history.

"Without us, the nearly 50 million people in closed societies who depend on us for accurate news and information each week won’t have access to the truth about America and the world," he emphasized.

Suspilne, Ukraine's public broadcaster, citing its own source, also added that in the coming weeks, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty will operate using its savings.