Newsletter, #6 (27 Feb 2025)

USAID Funding Suspension and its Implications for Ukraine

On January 20 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that froze most foreign aid programs for 90 days. Within days, the U.S. Department of State directed the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to suspend all of its projects and grants in Ukraine. Although Ukrainian officials emphasize that military assistance remains unaffected, the funding halt has disrupted critical activities ranging from school rehabilitation and medical services to energy infrastructure repair. This newsletter explores the suspension’s far-reaching implications for Ukraine’s development, governance, and humanitarian sectors.

Additional Context:

• The freeze is part of a broader review of U.S. foreign aid programs, with the new administration assessing alignment with its current policy priorities.
• USAID has been a key supporter of Ukraine’s social, economic, and democratic reforms for decades.