While Trump prepares to shut down USAID, Ukraine actively seeks alternative funding sources.

US President Donald Trump stated that a significant portion of USAID’s funding was spent fraudulently, and corruption within the agency has reached unprecedented levels. “Close it!” he posted on social media.

At the end of January, USAID suspended funding for all of its programs and projects in Ukraine for 90 days by the decision of the US State Department. In the 2023 fiscal year, the budget for USAID projects amounted to more than $40B, and among the largest assistance recipients were Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Jordan. The Trump administration intends to reduce USAID’s staff to fewer than 300 employees out of more than 10,000 current employees globally.

Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Olga Stefanishyna indicated that Ukraine has preliminary agreements on new funding sources from the EU to replace USAID funding. This pertains to urgent financing for critical programs in reconstruction, energy sustainability, and cyber defense projects.

The Office of the President reported that grants received through USAID are planned to be offset through state and regional budgets and loans from other international donors.