Categories: UKRAINE

Public organizations have called on the U.S. State Department to utilize the billions allocated to Ukraine, which may “expire” in September

Public organizations have called on the U.S. State Department to utilize the billions allocated to Ukraine, which may "expire" in September

Several U.S. public organizations have appealed to the State Department, urging it not to miss the opportunity to use the remaining $6.2 billion still available under presidential authority, but only until the end of the fiscal year on September 30, Voice of America reports.

“If the amount is not used, it could send a troubling signal regarding U.S. support for Ukraine,” commented Iryna Anpilohova, a representative of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America.

This information is reported by Informational Resistance.

Organizations such as Nova Ukraine, Leleka Foundation, and the 107th branch of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America have submitted their appeals. “We believe it is important for the U.S. State Department to inform Congress of the necessity to utilize the entire sum before the deadline, Anpilohova emphasized.

Amid a series of brutal Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent days, she also added that these assaults serve as a grim reminder of the daily threat faced by Ukrainian civilians as Russia targets civilian infrastructure, including children’s hospitals and schools. “The summer of 2024 has been the deadliest since the start of the war, with countless civilian casualties. Every dollar is crucial for the protection of Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure,” said the leader of the Ukrainian women’s organization in California.

Without these funds, she emphasizes, Ukrainian cities could become depopulated, leading to a refugee crisis that would affect both Europe and the United States.

If the current pace of funding reductions continues until September 30, approximately $5.7 billion will remain unused, warns the organization Razom for Ukraine. “It is crucial that President Biden uses his authority to allocate the remaining assets designated for Ukraine before the September 30 deadline. We urge the State Department to act immediately to prevent the expiration of these assets and to inform Congress to ensure their use for strengthening Ukraine’s defense,” the statement reads.

Razom for Ukraine calls on the State Department to issue a notice of assistance for the full amount—$6.2 billion. “This would send a strong message to Ukraine, Russia, and American voters that the administration is committed to Ukraine’s victory.”

Ihor Markov, the leader of the organization Nova Ukraine, commented: “The billions of dollars approved by Congress for Ukraine, whose terms have expired in previous years, represent a lost opportunity to provide American weapons and ammunition to support the heroic defenders. We urge the administration to prevent such expirations in 2024 and to inform Congress that the remaining funds are still needed.”

Markov emphasizes that if Ukraine falls, the support for the four NATO members bordering Ukraine will become significantly more expensive.

Vadym Heshel, co-founder and president of the Leleka Foundation, states: “Through daily communication with medics on the front lines, we clearly see the scale of the losses: the bravest and most dedicated people of Ukraine are dying, sacrificing their lives to protect their comrades, their nation’s freedom, and peace in the world. It is also clear that many of these lives could be saved with better and more ample supplies, equipment, and weapons.”

Therefore, Heshel says, the Leleka Foundation also urges the U.S. government to spend the $6.2 billion allocated for Ukraine in 2024. “If spent wisely, these funds will make the difference between life and death for countless Ukrainian families. Additionally, this assistance would demonstrate that the U.S. continues to firmly uphold its commitment to Ukraine’s victory and global peace.”

It is worth noting that the most recent aid to Ukraine under presidential authority was allocated on Independence Day, with the package totaling $125 million.

Ukraine Front Lines