UN: Suspension of USAID funding leads to disruption of humanitarian aid in Ukraine
The UN Humanitarian Mission in Ukraine has reported that the suspension of US international aid has led to serious problems in providing critical humanitarian assistance.
This was reported by the UN Humanitarian Mission in Ukraine, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.
The UN has confirmed that the freezing and reduction of funding from the United States has affected multisectoral assistance in Ukraine.
In particular, the international organization has recorded a decrease in access to clean water and sanitation for 1.4 million people, mainly in five regions along the frontline. Critical repairs to more than 100 shelters and common areas have also been disrupted.
One of the most serious consequences is the cessation of comprehensive medical care for 300,000 people, as well as the suspension of mental health support for 87,000 children, mostly in areas where fighting continues.
The UN notes that this freeze on international aid has catastrophic consequences for those in the most vulnerable regions of Ukraine.
Suspension of USAID funding
As reported, at the end of January, the U.S. federal government agency USAID suspended funding for all programs and projects in Ukraine for 90 days to implement the State Department's directive to audit foreign aid.
However, it is currently unknown whether funding for at least some of the projects will resume. After all, American billionaire Elon Musk, who heads the U.S. Government's Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE), called USAID's work ineffective and has already announced the start of its liquidation.
USAID's Director of Security and his deputy were placed on administrative leave on Saturday, February 1, after they failed to provide access to the agency's secure systems to employees of the Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE) under Elon Musk's leadership.
Subsequently, Musk distributed a fake video claiming that USAID allegedly paid millions of dollars to Western stars to increase the popularity of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
After that, US President Donald Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). He stated that the Trump Administration will review USAID programs to determine which ones are in the national interest and will continue to operate.
All USAID hired personnel around the world have been furloughed since February 7. The only exceptions will be for staff responsible for critical functions, key management, and specially designated programs.
