The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has made a significant decision to suspend all projects in Ukraine, following a directive from the State Department that freezes most foreign aid for a period of 90 days. This move comes as part of a broader review of US funding abroad by President Donald Trump, impacting American-backed initiatives globally.
The USAID office in Kyiv has received formal instructions to halt funding and activities across Ukraine, leaving staff uncertain about any potential exemptions or the duration of the freeze. Reports indicate that a wide range of US-funded civilian programs, including energy infrastructure repairs, school reconstruction, and medical assistance, will be affected. Several Ukrainian organizations relying on American support have already been informed that their projects must be put on hold.
Veteran Hub, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Ukrainian soldiers returning from the front lines, is among those affected. Co-founder Ivona Kostyna took to Facebook on January 26 to announce that the organization will be forced to shut down its Veteran Support Line and Vinnytsia Hub due to the funding freeze. She urged local businesses and donors to step in and provide assistance during this challenging time.
The aid suspension was triggered by an executive order signed by President Trump on January 20, putting a hold on nearly all US foreign assistance for a comprehensive three-month review. This decision has sparked concern among Ukrainian and European leaders, given Washington’s substantial financial support to Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite the civilian funding freeze, President Volodymyr Zelensky assured on January 25 that Ukraine continues to receive US military support, which remains unaffected by the aid freeze.
According to reports by the Financial Times, US diplomats within the State Department have advocated for an exemption for Ukraine from the aid freeze, without success as of January 25. As USAID staff and Ukrainian partners await further guidance, this immediate suspension of funding serves as a clear indication of the overhaul in Washington’s foreign aid policies under the new administration led by President Trump.
Katie Livingstone, an esteemed American journalist with a notable background covering the war in Ukraine since 2022, has shed light on the impact of conflict and foreign policy on societies around the world. Her work has been recognized with nominations for the Pulitzer Prize and featured in prestigious publications such as Rolling Stone, Business Insider, and USA Today.
