Title: Vice President Kamala Harris Announces Over $1.5 Billion in Aid to Support Ukraine's Energy Sector, Humanitarian Needs, and Civilian Security

In a powerful show of support for Ukraine, Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that the United States will provide over $1.5 billion in aid through USAID and the State Department. The announcement was made during the Summit for Peace in Ukraine, marking the sixth meeting between Vice President Harris and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The aid package includes $500 million in new funding for energy assistance from USAID. Additionally, $324 million in previously announced funds will be redirected towards addressing emergency energy needs in Ukraine. This financial boost aims to repair energy infrastructure damaged in the ongoing conflict, expand power generation capabilities, and encourage private sector investment. Furthermore, it aims to protect vital energy infrastructure, strengthening Ukraine's resilience to energy supply disruptions. These efforts come amidst Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Ukrainian people, Vice President Harris announced more than $379 million in humanitarian assistance from State and USAID. This assistance will provide food, health services, shelter, and water and sanitation facilities to millions of vulnerable Ukrainians impacted by the brutal war with Russia. It will also support comprehensive protection activities, including case management and psychosocial support services. Additionally, agriculture and livelihoods assistance will enable families to restore income and meet their basic needs.

In a bid to support Ukrainian civilian security amidst the ongoing conflict, the Vice President revealed plans to provide an additional $300 million in assistance. This funding will be allocated to Ukrainian border guards and law enforcement, equipping them with life-saving equipment. The objective is to enable them to safely operate on the front lines, defending Ukraine's territory, rescuing civilians targeted by attacks, protecting critical infrastructure, and investigating war crimes and atrocities.

These significant funds form part of a broader foreign aid package initiated by President Biden. The support aims to address the challenges faced by the people of Ukraine as Russia persistently attacks civilians and critical infrastructure. The conflict has resulted in the loss of nearly 11,000 lives and displaced millions. Basic utilities such as electricity, heat, and water have been disrupted, causing immense hardships for the affected population. Nevertheless, Ukrainians continue to stand resilient against the brutal invasion.

Since the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, the United States has pledged more than $3.2 billion in humanitarian assistance, with an additional $1.5 billion allocated to the recovery of Ukraine's energy sector. These efforts focus on enabling clean and reliable energy sources while strengthening transparency in the sector.

The announcement by Vice President Kamala Harris reinforces the strong commitment of the United States to stand with Ukraine during these challenging times. The aid package will provide much-needed support to the energy sector, address humanitarian needs, and enhance civilian security in the face of ongoing aggression.