U.S. President Trump’s recent decision to freeze international humanitarian aid for 90 days has severely impacted Ukraine’s civilian support systems, including a crucial shelter in the eastern town of Pavlohrad. The shelter, housed in a former concert hall, serves as a transit center for civilians fleeing Russian bombardment in the ongoing war.
The Pavlohrad facility, which costs $7,000 monthly to operate and relied on U.S. funding for 60% of its budget, faces an uncertain future. The center provides essential services including evacuation transport, legal and psychological support, and relocation assistance for displaced Ukrainians.
Center coordinator Illia Novikov reports that while the facility typically serves 60 people daily, numbers can surge to more than 200 during intense Russian attacks. Many arrivals have endured months of basement living without basic utilities or adequate food supplies.
The aid freeze extends beyond the Pavlohrad shelter, affecting numerous sectors across Ukraine including energy projects, veteran support, health care, cybersecurity and border infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy estimates the cuts will amount to $300 million to $400 million, primarily impacting the energy sector that has been targeted by Russian forces.
While military aid remains unaffected, Ukraine has received only 42% of congressional-approved funds. The World Health Organization has responded by launching an emergency appeal for $110 million to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, where nearly 13 million people require urgent assistance.
The crisis continues to escalate, with recent Russian attacks including a ballistic missile strike on an administrative building in Izium that killed five people and injured 50 others, including three children.
Read more: U.S. aid freeze puts at risk Ukraine’s wartime help for front-line evacuees
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