Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced an additional $205 million allotted to Ukraine in the form of humanitarian aid.
During his address at the Ukraine Conference in London June 21, Blinken reiterated the United States' unwavering backing for Ukraine and those affected by the war as it seeks to recover from Russian aggression, according to a release of his remarks.
"The United States is providing an additional $205 million in humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. This assistance enables our humanitarian partners to support the millions of Ukrainians displaced in Ukraine and across the region," Blinken said in a June 16 Twitter Post.
In recognition of the immense human suffering and loss of life resulting from the conflict, Blinken announced a commitment of more than $1.3 billion in extra assistance to support Ukraine's reconstruction endeavors, the release reported.
Out of the total amount, $520 million will be allocated to assist Ukraine in revamping its energy grid, which has suffered significant damage due to Russian actions, the release said. This investment aims to help Ukraine become more self-reliant and potentially transform into a major energy exporter.
Moreover, $657 million will be dedicated to modernizing crucial infrastructure such as border crossings, rail lines, ports and other essential facilities, according to the release. These upgrades will bolster Ukraine's transportation capabilities and enhance its connectivity with the rest of the world.
Recognizing the pivotal role of digitalization in Ukraine's development, the U.S. has pledged $100 million to support the digitization of Ukraine's customs and other essential systems, the release said. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, streamline processes and combat corruption, fostering a more transparent and business-friendly environment.
Furthermore, an additional $35 million will be allocated to assist Ukrainian businesses and entrepreneurs, the release reported. This funding will provide vital financing and insurance options that mitigate risks for investors.
Highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country, a release from June 16 revealed the U.S. already provided more than $605 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in fiscal year 2023. The conflict has forced more than six million people to seek refuge outside the country, while an additional five million have been internally displaced. Since February 2022, the U.S. has contributed more than $2.1 billion in humanitarian aid to assist the people of Ukraine.
