The U.S. government has provided more than $688 million in humanitarian assistance to help the people of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24.
The aid comes as Russia’s war of aggression has displaced 7.7 million people within Ukraine and forced more than 6 million to flee to neighboring countries.
This humanitarian assistance — through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of State — is providing food, safe drinking water, shelter, emergency health care and medical supplies, among other services.
USAID officials, for example, are on the ground in the region, partnering with U.N. agencies and others to:
- Support small businesses.
- Strengthen energy infrastructure.
- Bolster the agricultural sector.
- Meet essential health needs.
- Document human rights violations and potential violations of international humanitarian law.
State Department humanitarian programs also support U.N. agencies such as UNICEF, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration, and the World Health Organization, along with others, working in Ukraine and in neighboring countries.
As humanitarian needs have rapidly risen, Russia’s bombardment and shelling continues to damage the infrastructure needed to get aid to people — destroying roads, bridges and railroads and making it difficult for aid workers to reach conflict-affected populations.
In addition to humanitarian assistance, the U.S. government is providing $1 billion in budgetary support to the Ukrainian government to ensure government workers are paid, essential services remain open and the regional economy doesn’t collapse.
The generosity of American organizations and individuals has helped to provide medicine, food and shelter to those affected by the war. Ukraine’s neighbors, and nations beyond, likewise are doing their part, offering help and hope.