Pavlo Kostyuk: $1 billion is not just about financial aid, it’s about human lives

Pavlo Kostyuk, founder of the Ukraine Reconstruction Fund, expressed his gratitude to the United States for a new package of assistance to Ukraine worth more than $1 billion and noted that this decision is strategically important for the stability of the country.

As it has become known, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing Ukraine with more than $1 billion in support, of which $825 million will be allocated to strengthen the energy system this winter. This financial assistance was announced during the visit of USAID Administrator Samantha Power to Kyiv, which we reported on on October 3.

Ms. Power noted that this amount is double the amount of energy assistance provided by the United States last year and is a response to expected attacks on energy infrastructure by Russia.

“U.S. assistance is strategic and vital for Ukraine, especially as we prepare for the winter months when Russian attacks on critical infrastructure could cause serious damage. $825 million from USAID is a huge contribution to our ability to rebuild and strengthen the energy system to keep millions of Ukrainians warm and alive,” said Pavlo Kostyuk, founder of the Ukraine Reconstruction Fund.

In addition, USAID has launched a new five-year, $13 million rehabilitation program, Rehab for You. This initiative is aimed at supporting over 250000 Ukrainians in need of physical and psychological rehabilitation after the war.

“Launching a rehabilitation program is not just about financial assistance. It is about human lives and restoring human potential. Rehabilitation of Ukrainians after traumas is a key factor in the recovery of the country and its economy,” said Kostyuk.

USAID is also providing $237 million in humanitarian assistance to provide food, shelter, medical services and winter clothing for Ukrainians both within the country and for displaced people abroad.

Thanks to U.S. support, Ukrainian education has also received a significant contribution, with 3.2 million textbooks printed for primary school students.