The USAID initiative had invested hundreds of millions of dollars in helping Ukraine's energy grid recover from attacks from Russia.

Summary

The State Department has ended a major USAID initiative to restore Ukraine’s energy grid, which has suffered continuous Russian attacks.

The move, seen as a signal of declining U.S. support, also includes downsizing USAID’s presence in Ukraine from 64 to just 8 personnel.

Officials warn this could leave Ukraine vulnerable, especially during winter, and reduce oversight of financial aid.

Additionally, a financial sector reform program has been terminated. The decision is part of the broader Trump administration policies shifting away from strong U.S. involvement in Ukraine.

  • CMLVI@lemmy.world
    15·
    10 hours ago

    I was worried there for a second lol.

    It could also be both; Trump has ties to Russia and there have been open statements by Russian officials about Trump; specifically Patrushev saying

    "The election campaign is over. To achieve success in the election, Donald Trump relied on certain forces to which he has corresponding obligations. As a responsible person, he will be obliged to fulfill them."

    • alykanas@slrpnk.netEnglish
      54·
      9 hours ago

      Interesting to read, but on the balance of probability, I think it’s unlikely. Of course, anything is possible and, it’s plausible that global elite conspire for profit - but I just think it’s a too convenient blame all this bad stuff on the president of America being a Russian asset, because it’s easy to face than the idea than America is a has always been a bully on the world stage - and Trump, lacking skill and diplomacy - is merely letting us see behind the curtain.

      • CMLVI@lemmy.world
        6·
        9 hours ago

        It would be awfully convenient that Russians are openly speaking on what Trump does and does not owe to them without some kind of motive; whether or not it’s a separate “plot” or similar one I guess is up for debate though. I would have 0 issue believing that money is flowing through Russia as well. When you have billions, there aren’t too many restrictions on what you can and can’t do.