US diplomats seek Ukraine exemption from Rubio’s aid freeze
US officials push for Ukraine exemption from broad foreign aid suspension, affecting development programs amid the ongoing review expected to last 85 days.
US diplomats are seeking urgent exemption for Ukraine from a sweeping foreign aid freeze implemented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Financial Times reports. The internal cable to the State Department and USAID obtained by FT showed Rubio’s directive suspended all new foreign aid disbursements, with a review period of up to 85 days. This freeze affects hundreds of US foreign aid contracts valued at over $70 billion in the 2022 fiscal year.
According to documents reviewed by FT on 25 January, senior diplomats in the State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs have requested a full waiver for US Agency for International Development operations in Ukraine, citing national security concerns.
USAID Ukraine office ordered to suspend all project funding, Suspilne says
An email sent to USAID staff in Ukraine on 25 January, seen by FT, indicated uncertainty about the request’s approval but mentioned “positive signals” from Washington. Initially, USAID Ukraine delayed issuing “stop work” orders to provide clarity for partners, but by 25 January evening in Kyiv, some organizations began receiving suspension notices.
One order shared with FT directed “the contractor to immediately stop work under the USAID/Ukraine contract/task order” until written notification of cancellation from the Contracting Officer.
While the directive includes exceptions for military financing for Israel and Egypt and foreign emergency food aid, it doesn’t specifically exempt Ukraine. However, a Ukrainian government official confirmed to FT that US military assistance remains unaffected by the freeze order.
Related:
- USAID Ukraine office ordered to suspend all project funding, Suspilne says
- US suspends immigration programmes, including key initiative for Ukrainians – NYT
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- Trump orders 90-day pause on US foreign assistance programs, Kyiv says it doesn’t affect Ukraine aid (updated)
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