The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
This morning, Administrator Power met with Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, to discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs as conditions change on the ground and Putin’s unprovoked war stretches into another winter season.
During the meeting, Administrator Power and Ambassador Markarova discussed emerging conditions in the recently liberated city of Kherson, and priorities for USAID assistance to its residents, who endured over eight months of occupation by Russian forces. Administrator Power outlined areas of support already underway, including a recent UN convoy of humanitarian assistance delivered to thousands of people in Kherson, USAID support to internally displaced persons in Kherson and the region, and USAID’s support for its local media partner reporting on the conditions on the ground.
They also discussed other priorities for USAID assistance, including direct budget support to the Government of Ukraine, energy independence, and plans for reconstruction. The Ambassador noted that the $8.5 billion in direct budget support provided by USAID has enabled the Ukrainian government to provide essential services to its people while they continue to confront Russia on the battlefield. On the energy sector, Administrator Power recognized the ingenuity, professionalism, and heroism shown by Ukrainian energy sector personnel and outlined how USAID continues to scale up and pivot its support to this sector as Putin relentlessly targets Ukraine’s power generation, electricity transmission, and distribution networks.
Administrator Power reaffirmed USAID’s commitment to Ukraine’s long-term relief, recovery, and reconstruction.