The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has recently announced a substantial amount of $750 million in new assistance to Ukraine. Out of this, $500 million is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid, while $250 million will support Ukraine’s farmers. This assistance comes in response to Russia’s refusal to extend a Black Sea grain deal, which has had a significant impact on Ukraine’s agricultural sector.
Samantha Power, the head of USAID, made the announcement during her visit to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. Shortly after Moscow’s decision to terminate the grain deal, which facilitated the export of Ukrainian grain to global markets via the Black Sea, grain prices worldwide became volatile. The international community also became increasingly concerned about the potential exacerbation of global food instability.
Power strongly condemned Russia’s actions, referring to them as an example of their callousness and disregard for human lives and livelihoods, not only in Ukraine but also around the world. The new funds provided by USAID will be utilized for food assistance, health and hygiene care, and emergency shelter. This brings the total amount of U.S. humanitarian support for Ukraine to $2.6 billion, excluding the emergency funds of $475 million that have already been used to repair and maintain Ukraine’s heating and power systems.
During her visit, Power also traveled to Odesa, where USAID announced an additional $250 million in aid. This funding will be directed towards the Agriculture Resilience Initiative-Ukraine, a program launched in July 2022 with contributions from both the government and the private sector. The U.S. government’s support for this agricultural program now totals $350 billion. It will be used to enhance critical border, agricultural, and port infrastructure, as well as provide financial assistance to small and medium-sized agriculture businesses.
Power emphasized that USAID is working closely with the Ukrainian government and farmers to explore alternative routes for agricultural exports and evaluate necessary adjustments. This includes assessing infrastructure needs within Ukraine, such as Danube River ports, roads, transshipment, and rail systems, as well as potential opportunities in neighboring countries.
In conclusion, USAID’s commitment to supporting Ukraine through financial aid demonstrates their determination to assist the nation in overcoming the challenges posed by Russia’s actions. This assistance not only addresses immediate humanitarian needs but also aims to strengthen Ukraine’s agricultural sector and promote long-term resilience.
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