US Vice President Kamala Harris Announces $1.5 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine

Lucerne, The Gulf Observer: US Vice President Kamala Harris has unveiled over $1.5 billion in new aid for Ukraine, primarily aimed at bolstering its energy sector and providing humanitarian assistance, more than two years into Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Harris made the announcement on Saturday at the Ukraine peace summit in Lucerne, Switzerland, where she met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “This war remains an utter failure for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin,” Harris stated during a bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy. She emphasized the importance of upholding international norms and reaffirmed US support for Ukraine.

The aid package includes $500 million in new funding for energy assistance and redirects $324 million in previously announced funds towards emergency energy infrastructure repairs and other urgent needs in Ukraine. “These efforts will help Ukraine respond to Russia’s latest attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure by supporting repair and recovery, improving Ukraine’s resilience to energy supply disruptions, and laying the groundwork to repair and expand Ukraine’s energy system,” according to a statement from Harris’ office.

Additionally, Harris announced over $379 million in humanitarian assistance from the State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This funding is intended to assist refugees and others affected by the war, covering critical needs such as food assistance, health services, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene services for millions of Ukrainians.

This substantial aid package underscores the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing challenges and reinforces international solidarity against the backdrop of Russia’s aggression.