On Saturday, June 15, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered remarks at the Summit for Peace in Switzerland. The Vice President expressed her support for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while calling Russia’s military attacks an “utter failure.”
“This war remains an utter failure for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin,” Harris said.
“I am here in Switzerland to stand with Ukraine and the leaders from around the world in support of a just and lasting peace.”
Harris not only expressed the U.S. government’s support for Ukraine verbally, but she also outlined several ways the Biden administration plans to support the European nation tactically. Formally announced during the Vice President’s remarks, the United States will provide over $1.5 billion through USAID and the State Department to support the people of Ukraine.
“From USAID, this includes $500 million in new funding for energy assistance and redirecting $324 million in previously announced funds towards emergency energy needs in Ukraine. This funding will repair energy infrastructure damaged in the war, expand power generation, encourage private sector investment, and protect energy infrastructure,” a briefing from the White House reads.
“Additionally, the Vice President is announcing more than $379 million in humanitarian assistance from State and USAID to help address urgent needs of refugees, internally displaced persons, and conflict-affected communities impacted by Russia’s brutal war against the Ukrainian people. This support entails food assistance, health services, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services for millions of vulnerable Ukrainians inside the country and in the region.”
In addition, Harris also shared that the Biden administration is working with Congress “to provide an additional $300 million in Ukrainian civilian security assistance to support lifesaving equipment for Ukrainian border guards and law enforcement.”
The Biden administration’s latest efforts are part of a larger initiative to support Ukraine. Since February 2022, the United States has distributed $3.2 billion in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and another $1.5 billion to help out with the energy sector.
