Ukraine’s Stalwart Partner Reaffirms its Vital Role

During this difficult period for Ukraine because of the war Russia has imposed on it, and despite the challenges this has also created for the US and Ukraine’s other friends and supporters, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) continues to be a consistently strong and reliable partner.

USAID, the leading development agency of the US government, has partnered with Ukraine since 1992, supporting it to build resilience against Russia’s aggression and advance its democratic and economic development.

This was demonstrated again this week by USAID’s active participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference on June 21-22 in London, which brought more than 1,000 delegates to discuss the reconstruction of the country and how it can be funded.

In connection with this major event, USAID/Ukraine prepared a special short video which conveys concisely and graphically what is at stake and what needs to be done. This highly recommended video can be seen here.

According to statement issued on the eve of the Conference by USAID/Ukraine Mission Director James Hope:

“Producing construction materials and manufactured goods domestically - where Ukraine already has strong capacity - will ensure that the recovery creates jobs for Ukrainian workers and drives lasting economic growth. For example, Ukrainian factories can already produce about 90% of what is needed for the recovery, and even during wartime Ukrainian companies are investing in new production and adopting European quality standards. ‘Insourcing’ the recovery will preserve jobs for Ukrainian workers and bring much-needed revenue to the state budget. USAID is proud to support this effort, whereby donor funding and foreign investment catalyzes the work of Ukrainian companies, workers, and communities at the forefront of the recovery from this terrible war.”

Other Topics of Interest

Ukraine Spent Nearly $2.5 Billion for ‘eRecovery’ Program, But It’s Not Yet Enough

While the amount might seem colossal at first glance, it is far from enough compared to the $486 billion needed to fully restore what’s been ravaged by Russia’s invasion.

It should be noted that USAID’s 2019-2024 Country Development Coordination Strategy calls for a specific focus on anti-corruption efforts, countering the impacts of Russia's aggression, and promoting economic development and energy security in Ukraine. USAID is committed to continuing to support efforts to strengthen democracy and good governance, improve health care systems, and mitigate the effects of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine its people.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war on February 24, 2022, USAID has provided $18 billion in direct budget support to the Government of Ukraine in addition to $1.4 billion in humanitarian assistance and more than $1.4 billion in development assistance. All of USAID’s more than 40 development programs continue to operate in Ukraine, responding to immediate needs while advancing Ukraine’s long-term development as an independent, sovereign, democratic, and prosperous society.