Ukraine has initiated discussions to replace assistance from the United States.

The Committee of the Verkhovna Rada on Humanitarian and Information Policy has initiated consultations regarding the potential replacement of American aid with that from European colleagues.

This is mentioned in the committee's statement.

“At the parliamentary level, consultations have already begun with European colleagues about the possible replacement of American aid – at least for the time being while Washington makes final decisions,” the committee's statement reads.

It is noted that the scale of the problems faced by Ukraine and dozens of other countries due to the cessation of American aid is significantly larger than it may initially appear.

“Ukrainian organizations and other entities that received grants from USAID did not have time to prepare for such abrupt changes. Certainly, the American people and government have every right to assess the results of this assistance and decide whether to continue their global support,” the committee believes.

While this review is ongoing, Ukraine must take urgent measures to prevent the destabilization of key processes within the state. It is also necessary to plan further actions in this direction.

Probably, due to the pause in funding for projects, the normalization of processes related to assistance may take three, four, five, or even six months.

“At a time when every voice matters, cultural diplomacy and truthful information are inseparable components of safeguarding Ukraine’s independence. In conditions of limited state funding, grant assistance is sometimes the only option for the functioning of projects in the fields of culture and media,” the statement emphasizes.

The committee stressed that USAID's grant support has contributed to the implementation of cultural initiatives, job creation, and the development of Ukrainian media, which continues to suffer from the advertising market crisis following the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation. Additionally, with the agency's assistance, projects providing psychological support to children and families affected by the war are being implemented.

The statement highlights that USAID's assistance is crucial for the democratic development of Ukraine, especially in the current geopolitical context. The committee calls for the preservation of these programs and finding solutions for their funding to avoid destabilization in important areas.

Background. Previously, Mind reported that the independent agency of the federal government of the USA (USAID) ordered the cessation of all work on projects in Ukraine. Reuters quotes an anonymous USAID employee who stated that “staff responsible for projects in Ukraine have been instructed to halt all work. Among the frozen projects are support for schools and medical assistance, including emergency aid for mothers and vaccination for children.”