With the USAID funding being frozen Russian propaganda saw an opening for yet another disinformation campaign against Ukraine. This one was based on the idea of the “Western betrayal” and the U.S. abandoning or “delegating” Ukraine to Europe entirely. The Kremlin has been flooding social media and creating fake news sites specifically to create an image of Ukraine being left with no allies or support. The purpose of this campaign is to undermine international aid and investments, as well as break the spirits of the Ukrainian people.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, USAID has become a crucial ally for multiple industries and infrastructure fields in Ukraine. For example, USAID has supported energy security and humanitarian initiatives. Independent media also came to depend on USAID, especially concerning cybersecurity and, ironically, countering Russian propaganda. With the funding being frozen the situation became challenging. However, despite Moscow’s tales of “complete abandonment”, the Ukrainian government as well as Ukraine’s European partners are already working on solutions, searching for ways to overcome this obstacle.
How you can help Ukraine against Russian aggression:
Come back alive – https://bit.ly/3Ct6O2L (works directly with the command and personnel of military units, purchasing infrared thermal imaging cameras, night vision goggles, hemostatics etc);
UNITED 24 – https://bit.ly/3M2mXiT (launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs)
Army SOS – https://bit.ly/3UYK168 (manages purchases of necessary ammunition, shields, intercommunication and reconnaissance facilities, etc. and delivers all goods directly);
Vostok SOS – https://bit.ly/3Ruut75 (raising funds for various needs of the army).
