The U.S. Halts Funding for Ukraine’s Energy System
World
The U.S. Department of State has suspended the USAID international development agency program, which allocated hundreds of millions of dollars for the restoration of Ukraine's energy system after Russian bombardments, reports NBC News.
The State Department halted the implementation of the USAID program a few days ago. According to NBC News, this information was confirmed by USAID mission staff in Ukraine.
Sources indicate that USAID is significantly reducing its presence in Ukraine: previously, 64 employees worked there, but now only 8 will remain.
One source noted that such decisions "will significantly weaken" the ability of Donald Trump’s administration to negotiate an end to the war and could signal to Russia that "the U.S. does not care about Ukraine or its past investments".
For over 60 years, USAID has been the world's largest provider of humanitarian aid. However, the Trump administration has accused the agency of misusing American taxpayers' money and engaging in unlawful activities. Specifically, USAID has been accused of funding projects linked to "Al-Qaeda" and supporting drug crop cultivation in Afghanistan.
On February 26, the U.S. State Department announced a 92% reduction in 5,800 long-term USAID contracts, totaling $54 billion. Previously, it was reported that USAID's workforce would also be reduced from 10,000 to 290 employees.
In early February, USAID staff working abroad were ordered to return to the U.S. within 30 days.
USAID employees' unions filed a lawsuit against the White House, arguing that only Congress has the authority to shut down USAID, and that the Trump administration's actions are unconstitutional and illegal.
On February 8, a Washington court partially ruled in favor of the unions, reinstating 2,700 dismissed employees. However, the court denied the request to unfreeze grants.
Sources indicate that USAID is significantly reducing its presence in Ukraine: previously, 64 employees worked there, but now only 8 will remain.
One source noted that such decisions "will significantly weaken" the ability of Donald Trump’s administration to negotiate an end to the war and could signal to Russia that "the U.S. does not care about Ukraine or its past investments".
For over 60 years, USAID has been the world's largest provider of humanitarian aid. However, the Trump administration has accused the agency of misusing American taxpayers' money and engaging in unlawful activities. Specifically, USAID has been accused of funding projects linked to "Al-Qaeda" and supporting drug crop cultivation in Afghanistan.
On February 26, the U.S. State Department announced a 92% reduction in 5,800 long-term USAID contracts, totaling $54 billion. Previously, it was reported that USAID's workforce would also be reduced from 10,000 to 290 employees.
In early February, USAID staff working abroad were ordered to return to the U.S. within 30 days.
USAID employees' unions filed a lawsuit against the White House, arguing that only Congress has the authority to shut down USAID, and that the Trump administration's actions are unconstitutional and illegal.
On February 8, a Washington court partially ruled in favor of the unions, reinstating 2,700 dismissed employees. However, the court denied the request to unfreeze grants.
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