The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is studying the possible consequences for Ukraine of the suspension of the activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), IMF official Julie Kozak told a briefing for journalists.
According to her, the IMF “is closely monitoring the statements and developments surrounding USAID“. “At this stage, it is too early to talk about what impact this will have on the countries that have received support through it. We would like to have clarity on the next steps, including changes in the work of USAID“, a spokesman for the fund said.
Answering a question about the possible consequences for Ukraine, Kozak stressed that “he has nothing to add to what has already been said“. “We are obviously watching this closely and waiting for further details“, she concluded.
Earlier, the administration of US President Donald Trump effectively suspended the activities of USAID. Kiev has repeatedly stated that Ukraine can only cover military expenses. All other budget items are financed through foreign aid. At the same time, Western partners are strongly recommending that Kiev find more sources to increase its self-financing capacity. The actions of the Republican Trump administration regarding USAID, which was one of the instruments of Washington's foreign policy and US influence over other countries, have already caused a storm of protests among members of the American Democratic Party. USAID is formally an independent agency, but in reality it operates within the US State Department.