Ukraine to fund key humanitarian programs domestically after US aid freeze - Zelenskyy
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine will continue financing key humanitarian programs using internal funds after the United States halted its financial support, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy stated that Deputy Prime Minister for Ukraine’s Reconstruction Oleksii Kuleba and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Viktor Mykyta briefed him on critical programs that lost US funding.
"I have already ordered some key initiatives to be financed from our internal funds, as well as to talk to Europeans (European partners - ed.)," he said.
According to the President, some of the suspended programs involve distributed generation and resilience measures for Ukrainian communities, cities, and villages.
Veterans' initiatives, such as veteran hubs, support lines, and assistance for veterans in launching their own businesses, are also important.
Additionally, border entry point projects, developed in cooperation with international partners, have been impacted. Zelenskyy emphasized that modern border entry points are essential for faster economic activity and greater transparency in customs operations.
The President clarified that there are also issues related to the Ministry of Health and cybersecurity, which the government is now working to address.
"I have also ordered to continue an audit of suspended US assistance, and there should be more of our and European activity in humanitarian, security and social areas to support people while the US develops its new policy," Zelenskyy added.
US halts foreign aid programs
Last week, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending all foreign aid programs for 90 days.
As a result, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has halted funding for several programs in Ukraine.
Commenting to RBC-Ukraine’s YouTube channel, Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office, stated that the US is likely to resume its foreign aid programs, as they serve American interests.
