**US Military Aid Pause Hits Home in Scranton, Pennsylvania**
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has a direct impact on residents of Scranton, Pennsylvania, a city about 4,700 miles away from Kyiv. The US government’s decision to pause military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine has left locals uncertain about their futures.
**Scranton’s Role in the Conflict**
Scranton is home to the Scranton Army Artillery Plant, which manufactures some of the artillery rounds sent to Ukraine by the US. The plant employs around 400 people and has seen an increase in production levels in recent years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the plant during a trip to Scranton in September 2024.
**Community Concerns**
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti expressed concerns about the impact of the US administration’s shift on support for Ukraine. “To see US policy shift and potentially have the US really turn its back on Ukraine is really appalling,” she said.
Cognetti noted that Scranton has a strong Ukrainian community, with several churches in the area raising funds for the war effort. The city has also hosted Ukrainian soldiers at community events.
**Jobs and Economy**
The Scranton Army Artillery Plant is an important employer in the region, providing well-paying jobs to local residents. However, any impact of the pause on military aid would likely be minor for the economy.
**Local Opinions Divided**
Residents of Scranton have divided opinions about the US decision to pause military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Some support President Trump’s efforts to negotiate an end to the war, while others are concerned about the implications for Ukraine and the local community.
As one resident, Brandon Lux, said: “Halting all government funding to Ukraine right now, I think that will definitely have implications for what happens here in our city.”
Others, like Fran Fitzgerald, believe the US should prioritize its own needs over supporting Ukraine.