US State Department Ends Aid Initiative for Ukraine’s Energy Grid
TL/DR –
The State Department has ended a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiative aimed at restoring Ukraine’s energy grid that had been subject to attacks by the Russian military. Power outages have been occurring overnight in some parts of Ukraine due to the attacks on their energy facilities. In addition to ending the energy security project, USAID is also significantly reducing its presence in Ukraine, leaving the country’s energy grid vulnerable to further attacks, according to two USAID officials.
State Department Ends USAID Initiative Benefiting Ukraine’s Energy Grid
The State Department has ended a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) program that invested hundreds of millions for Ukraine’s energy grid restoration, officials confirmed. This follows attacks on energy facilities by Russian military, causing overnight power outages in Ukraine.
“Termination of this initiative undermines our ability to negotiate the ceasefire and signals apathy towards Ukraine and our past investments,” said a USAID official, highlighting Russia’s dual military and economic war in Ukraine. USAID has significantly helped the economy withstand this onslaught, particularly in shoring up the energy grid.
In addition to terminating the Ukraine Energy Security Project, USAID is also downsizing its Ukraine presence significantly. Under Trump’s administration, only eight out of 64 American government employees will remain in Ukraine.
USAID’s withdrawal would leave Ukraine’s energy grid vulnerable amidst winter and likely further Russian attacks. The State Department spokesperson reserves comment on this development.
USAID plays a crucial role in ensuring financial aid to Ukraine is allocated appropriately. The termination of a “financial sector reform activity” program further undermines accountability, according to a document obtained by NBC News.
“We won’t know where these funds have been used,” expressed one of the officials. USAID’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, which supervises the Ukraine mission, is also expected to reduce its staff from 115 to 29 in Washington, D.C.
Contributors
Vaughn Hillyard, a correspondent for NBC News, reported this story. Contribution also came from Daryna Mayer.
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