USAID and Ukraine's civil society

They also supported the veteran movement and displaced persons, as well as rehabilitation, adaptation, and reintegration efforts. The Administrative Services Centers (CNAP)—one of the most significant reforms! All thanks to USAID. And there are countless other examples, from community reforms to local governance improvements.

"Through USAID, salaries were reimbursed for Ukrainian teachers, healthcare workers, and government employees—all to support the foundation of state governance. Billions in humanitarian aid were provided to vulnerable populations."

But now, things will be "better"—paradise is coming, because the only thing that kept us from living well was Ukrainians. And American money. Now it will be better! Now we will have only Russian money—in society, in the information space. Now we will "win."

But in reality, as a society, we will take a big step backward. Without thinking. Without assessing the impact. Without fully realizing what has actually happened. Will we pay teachers? Yes, but we’ll spend less on weapons. Will we rebuild schools and the energy sector? Yes, but we’ll spend less on weapons. And so on.

Is this what victory looks like?  

And those so-called “grant-eaters” who set up crisis hotlines for people on the brink or created safe spaces for veterans—places where no one would dare say, "We didn’t send you there." Who needs them, right? We’ll manage somehow!  

How much do you personally donate to organizations supporting veterans? Nothing? What about mental health hotlines? Nothing? And how many of you support watchdog organizations like the Anti-Corruption Action Center or similar groups—so they don’t give up, so they don’t just walk away to live their best lives elsewhere?  

Would you trade places with them? Would you step in for Vitaliy, whose house was burned down? For Bihus and his team, who investigate corruption under constant threat—risking becoming the next Gongadze? Would you take up the fight, raise the flag, build an organization, and keep going despite the risks to your life and home? No? Not ready?

The world is cruel. But worse than cruelty is indifference. We crave victory so much that we're willing to accept the collapse of civil and state sectors as a triumph. Hooray, hooray. Amidst the cries of fools, we remain in the dark. And we’re happy about it. Now we’ll live.

Dear grant-writers. I hug you all. Hang in there. It’s never been easy for you. But it’s you who made this country change—through your projects, your stories, and your cases. The angry gray mass will always oppose you. You will always be in the information minority. Always!

But just know this: Your work is valued. Even if it’s just people like me who appreciate it. Your work is needed. So now, one by one, I will subscribe to everything I see. Better my belt be tighter than see you fall. Keep fighting. Reach your audience. They will support you. Not all of them, but those who care. Right now, set up paywalls. Right now, launch donation systems. Right now, go and fight. You are needed by Ukrainians.

*Published preserving the author's style*

Source

About the author. Petro Shuklinov, journalist.

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.

• After a directive from the U.S. State Department to pause foreign aid programs for 90 days for auditing, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Ukraine received orders to suspend all projects and related expenses.