$1.5bn more US aid for Ukraine

Lucerne, SwitzerlandUS Vice-President Kamala Harris pledged America’s unwavering support for Ukraine and announced more than $1.5bn in aid for the country’s energy sector and its humanitarian situation as a result of Russia’s 27-month invasion.
Harris made the announcement at the Ukraine peace summit in Lucerne, Switzerland, where she met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“This war remains an utter failure for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” Harris said during a bilateral meeting with Zelensky. “It is in our interest to uphold international norms,” she added, pledging US support for the country.
The $1.5bn includes $500mn in new funding for energy assistance and the redirecting of $324mn in previously announced funds toward emergency energy infrastructure repair and other needs in Ukraine, the vice-president’s office said.
“These efforts will help Ukraine respond to Russia’s latest attacks on Ukraine 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,” Harris’ office said.
She also announced more than $379mn in humanitarian assistance from the State Department and the US Agency for International Development to help refugees and other people impacted by the war. The money is to cover food assistance, health services, shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene services for millions of Ukrainians.
Harris, who will spend less than 24 hours at the gathering will be standing in for President Joe Biden at the event. The president will be just ending his participation at the G7 summit in Italy and returning to the United States to attend a fundraiser for his reelection campaign in Los Angeles.