USAID pledges $1 billion in energy aid to Ukraine

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide Ukraine with $1 billion in energy and humanitarian assistance, USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced during her visit to Kyiv on October 2.

This package, double the amount allocated last year, is aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s resilience amid the ongoing war with Russia, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Of the total aid, $825 million is dedicated to supporting Ukraine's energy system through the upcoming winter months. Power emphasized that the funds will assist in repairing critical energy infrastructure, which has been persistently targeted by Russian forces in a bid to cripple the country's power grid.

Speaking to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Power stated, "The funds will help continue repairing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as Russia persistently attempts to destroy it before the coming winter."

An additional $237 million will be allocated for humanitarian aid, helping address the needs of civilians affected by the war. USAID also announced a five-year, $13 million program to rehabilitate Ukrainian civilians and soldiers injured in the conflict. Over 250,000 people are in need of rehabilitation services, according to Power. "This program will help Ukrainians recover from injuries and learn to live with new limitations, allowing them to continue participating in their communities, contributing to the economy, and, of course, supporting their families," she said.

In addition to energy and humanitarian aid, USAID funds have also been used for educational purposes, with 3.2 million textbooks for Ukrainian elementary school students distributed earlier this year.

Power's visit to Kyiv underscores the U.S.'s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine as it endures the challenges of war, with assistance aimed at both immediate recovery and long-term stability.

By Khagan Isayev