Support programs for war victims – ranging from food or healthcare aid to repairs of energy infrastructures, construction of air raid shelters, assistance to civil society NGOs and efforts to combat anti-corruption and misinformation – were so widespread in Ukraine that when Washington suspended funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), it sent shockwaves through the country. And so far, no one has been able to precisely measure the consequences.

Washington's announcement on January 20 – the day of Donald Trump's inauguration as president – that it would freeze foreign aid for 90 days to assess whether the programs are "efficient and consistent with US foreign policy," followed on February 26 by the immediate suspension of 83% of USAID programs, the federal agency responsible for humanitarian aid and economic development abroad, which alarmed beneficiaries. "Dear implementing partner, this funding is terminated [...] in the interests of the US government [...]. Immediately cease all activities," read the letter sent to thousands worldwide, including in Ukraine, which received it overnight due to the time difference.

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