Source: "European Truth" citing The Washington Post
Details: An exception has now been made for humanitarian programs that provide "essential life-saving medicines, medical services, food, housing, and livelihood assistance, as well as supplies and reasonable administrative costs necessary for delivering such assistance."
At the same time, funding will not be allocated for programs related to "abortions, family planning conferences... gender programs" or diversity initiatives, "transgender operations, or any other assistance not related to saving lives."
The document in the possession of the publication states that "implementers of existing humanitarian aid programs that save lives must continue or resume their operations if they have been suspended."
Additionally, it notes that "such restoration is temporary, and, except in specific cases… new contracts should not be established."
Some officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that they do not yet fully understand what constitutes "life-saving activities."
Background:
- Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a suspension of all new foreign aid payments until they are subject to review.
- Officials and NGO staff in Ukraine warned that without the approval of the new Secretary of State, programs such as support for schools and hospitals, as well as efforts to develop economic and energy infrastructure, would be at risk of disruption.
- In Rubio's order, there are some exceptions, particularly regarding military funding for Israel and Egypt, as well as foreign emergency food aid.
- At the same time, U.S. military aid is not subject to the order for freezing and continues to flow into Ukraine according to the decisions of the previous administration of Joe Biden.