State Department terminates U.S. support of Ukraine energy grid restoration

The State Department terminated a USAID initiative that invested heavily in restoring Ukraine's energy grid amid ongoing Russian attacks. Blackouts have increased due to these assaults, significantly affecting the country. A USAID official stated this decision "significantly undercuts this administration’s abilities to negotiate on the ceasefire."

USAID has been crucial in supporting Ukraine’s economy and energy resilience. However, the agency is downsizing its personnel in Ukraine from 64 to just 8. This withdrawal raises concerns about the vulnerability of Ukraine’s energy grid in winter.

Furthermore, a program focused on financial sector reform has also been shut down, limiting oversight of financial aid spent in Ukraine.