First news from Peace Summit: US allocates $1.5 billion to Ukraine

The White House press service reports.

It is noted that the funds will be provided through USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) and the State Department to support the people of Ukraine.

USAID will provide $500 million in new funding for energy assistance and redirect $324 million of previously announced funds for emergency energy needs in Ukraine.

“This funding will repair energy infrastructure damaged in the war, expand power generation, encourage private sector investment, and protect energy infrastructure. These efforts will help Ukraine respond to Russia’s latest attacks on Ukraine energy infrastructure by supporting repair and recovery, improving Ukraine’s resilience to energy supply disruptions, and laying the groundwork to repair and expand Ukraine’s energy system,”  Harris emphasized.

In addition, the Vice President announced more than $379 million in humanitarian aid from the state and USAID to address the urgent needs of refugees, internally displaced persons and conflict-affected communities affected by Russia's brutal war against the Ukrainian people. It is noted that this support provides food aid, medical services, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene services for millions of vulnerable Ukrainians in the country and the region. The assistance also includes support for comprehensive protection measures, including case management and psychosocial support services, as well as agricultural and livelihood assistance, so that families can restore income and meet their basic needs. 

Harris emphasized that, working with Congress, the State Department plans to provide an additional $300 million in support of Ukraine's civilian security to provide rescue equipment for Ukrainian border guards and law enforcement agencies. This support will help them operate safely on the front lines of the war to defend Ukraine's territory, rescue civilians targeted by the Kremlin, protect critical infrastructure, and investigate more than 120,000 reported cases of war crimes and other atrocities.

“These funds come as part of a larger foreign aid package spearheaded by President Biden to support the people of Ukraine as the Russian Federation continues its attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure that have killed nearly 11,000 people and displaced millions more, cutting them off from electricity, heat, water, and other essential utilities. Despite this, Ukrainians persist in pushing back against Putin’s brutal invasion both on and off the battlefield,“ Harris emphasized.

The White House reminded that since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the United States has allocated more than $3.2 billion to fund humanitarian assistance and nearly $1.5 billion to help restore the energy sector, create clean and reliable energy, and increase transparency in the sector.

• On June 15, the Global Peace Summit, convened at the initiative of Ukraine, began in the Swiss city of Burgenstock.