Speeches Shim
The U.S. Government’s partnership with the people of Ukraine is steadfast and enduring, and USAID remains committed to supporting Ukraine and its people in this current crisis. We have worked closely with Ukraine, our European allies, and humanitarian assistance partners to prepare for the emergency that this war has caused and meet immediate and growing humanitarian needs.
USAID deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team—our nation’s finest humanitarian responders—to the region to support the Ukrainian people as they flee Russia’s aggression and to rapidly address critical needs that arise due to ongoing conflict. We have already responded to a range of needs in the lead-up to the invasion, from energy security to countering disinformation to cybersecurity support as Russia attempts to disrupt critical infrastructure and communications. We will continue to assess and ramp up access to primary and trauma medical care, food, and clean water. USAID is also working closely with the U.S. State Department to support Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries.
Last updated: May 19, 2022
Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Saulos Chilima. Administrator Power and Vice President Chilima discussed the impacts that Tropical Storm Ana and the Ukraine-Russia conflict have had on Malawi and the importance of public sector reforms.
On April 26, Administrator Power met the Mayor of Warsaw, Poland, Rafał Trzaskowski to discuss the ongoing flow of refugees from Ukraine into Poland, now numbering nearly 3 million people. Administrator Power thanked Mayor Trzaskowski and the Polish people for their tremendous generosity and continued assistance for Ukrainian refugees who fled Russia’s brutal invasion and are now living in Warsaw and other Polish cities. The two discussed opportunities for the United States and the international community to further support Polish cities welcoming refugees, especially in providing access to education. The Administrator also noted Poland's support in hosting USAID staff and operations where teams are continuing work on development programs and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine. The Administrator expressed continued support for the strong ties between the United States and Poland.
On April 21, Administrator Samantha Power met with International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Maurer to discuss humanitarian emergencies and responses around the world, including in Ukraine and Afghanistan. Administrator Power thanked President Maurer for ICRC’s commitment to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in challenging contexts across the world, including in countries where it has been difficult to access people in need. The two discussed their shared concerns on the need for urgent humanitarian access in Ukraine. They also discussed ICRC’s challenges in countering disinformation and false narratives about their work in Ukraine. They further discussed ongoing humanitarian needs including health care in Afghanistan. Administrator Power specifically thanked President Mauer for ICRC’s management of hospitals and planned expansion across Afghanistan which provides critical care for the most vulnerable Afghans, especially children.
Yesterday, Administrator Power met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal to discuss the United States’ ongoing support to Ukraine in the wake of the Russian Federation’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The Administrator emphasized that the United States remains committed to Ukraine’s long-term development priorities while also working to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the Ukrainian people.
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will invest $131 million to counter the impact of Russia’s brutal war on the Ukrainian people and to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience, democracy, economy, and healthcare systems.
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