Ukrainian delegation urges Trump to restore USAID assistance through PACE resolution

This was reported by correspondent Tetyana Vysotska on Espreso TV.

Through the resolution, Ukraine is asking the U.S. to reinstate humanitarian financial programs.

"The Ukrainian delegation submitted an amendment to the resolution, addressing U.S. President Donald Trump with a request to resume funding for strategically important projects in Ukraine, particularly USAID programs. Many vital and beneficial projects have lost funding, which is truly a serious blow. This concern is also being voiced in Brussels, the European Commission, and the EU Council. PACE is trying to get Trump’s attention through this resolution," Vysotska reported.

The EU will likely find a way to take over these programs if the U.S. continues to withhold funding. But there’s still hope that Trump will respond.

"Since his inauguration, Trump hasn’t even had a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, despite her team seeking one. The only time they spoke was after Trump’s election victory. Since then, there’s been no contact. This shows that Trump isn’t particularly eager to listen to Europe or consider its stance on policies, including those concerning Ukraine. We hope common sense prevails sooner or later," the journalist noted.

Vysotska added that the Ukrainian resolution would be beneficial for Ukraine. Among other things, it calls on European states to fully transfer all frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.

According to her, this issue is actively being discussed in Brussels, particularly by European officials and Belgian authorities, as Belgium holds the majority of frozen Russian assets, around €190 billion.

"The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe wants to urge European states to transfer all frozen Russian assets to Ukraine for use in military efforts against Russia," Vysotska added.

• For reference, on January 29, during a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister stated that ensuring lasting peace in Europe requires clear security guarantees for Ukraine after the war ends.