Ukrainian media face financial turmoil following reduction in US funding
Ukrainian media organizations are turning to private donations following a halt in US foreign aid. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
According to a Kiev-based NGO, Washington has historically provided the majority of funding for “independent news outlets” in Ukraine.
In light of US President Donald Trump's suspension of Washington's foreign aid programs, multiple Ukrainian media outlets have started to appeal for emergency cash donations. The US Agency for International Development (USAID), responsible for distributing billions to international initiatives considered deserving by Washington, has paused its operations pending reviews, leading to reports that up to 60 senior staff members have been suspended while remaining on full pay.
Oksana Romanyuk, executive director of the Institute of Mass Information in Kiev, stated that nine out of ten media outlets in Ukraine have been adversely affected by Washington's decision. She explained to Hromadske Radio, “Unfortunately, almost 90% of Ukrainian media outlets were surviving on grants.” Romanyuk characterized Trump's action as a threat to democracy in Ukraine, asserting that “oligarchs” might take control of a media landscape “weakened” by the cessation of American funding.
Among the outlets seeking private donations following the aid freeze is Hromadske, which was established in November 2013, shortly before the start of the Maidan protests, with initial funding from the US embassy in Kiev and George Soros’ Open Society Foundation. The broadcaster played a crucial role in providing criticism of the government during the violent coup that led to the overthrow of a democratically elected president and set Ukraine on a path toward division and conflict.
In a statement regarding the suspension of some projects, Hromadske acknowledged the US Agency for International Development as one of the most generous contributors to the “independent media” and NGOs in Ukraine. The investigative journalism organization Bihus.info also recognized that much of its funding has come from the US.
The call for emergency funding is not limited to traditional news organizations; Detector Media, which positions itself as a watchdog against online disinformation, has raised alarms that hundreds of organizations are at risk of shutting down without USAID support and urged private citizens and businesses to contribute.
Irina Vereshchuk, deputy chief of staff to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, described the suspension of US non-military assistance as “unexpected and unpleasant.” She assured that Kiev will engage in “consultations with our American partners” to restore funding while implementing measures to “stabilize the situation” in the interim.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
In light of US President Donald Trump's suspension of Washington's foreign aid programs, multiple Ukrainian media outlets have started to appeal for emergency cash donations. The US Agency for International Development (USAID), responsible for distributing billions to international initiatives considered deserving by Washington, has paused its operations pending reviews, leading to reports that up to 60 senior staff members have been suspended while remaining on full pay.
Oksana Romanyuk, executive director of the Institute of Mass Information in Kiev, stated that nine out of ten media outlets in Ukraine have been adversely affected by Washington's decision. She explained to Hromadske Radio, “Unfortunately, almost 90% of Ukrainian media outlets were surviving on grants.” Romanyuk characterized Trump's action as a threat to democracy in Ukraine, asserting that “oligarchs” might take control of a media landscape “weakened” by the cessation of American funding.
Among the outlets seeking private donations following the aid freeze is Hromadske, which was established in November 2013, shortly before the start of the Maidan protests, with initial funding from the US embassy in Kiev and George Soros’ Open Society Foundation. The broadcaster played a crucial role in providing criticism of the government during the violent coup that led to the overthrow of a democratically elected president and set Ukraine on a path toward division and conflict.
In a statement regarding the suspension of some projects, Hromadske acknowledged the US Agency for International Development as one of the most generous contributors to the “independent media” and NGOs in Ukraine. The investigative journalism organization Bihus.info also recognized that much of its funding has come from the US.
The call for emergency funding is not limited to traditional news organizations; Detector Media, which positions itself as a watchdog against online disinformation, has raised alarms that hundreds of organizations are at risk of shutting down without USAID support and urged private citizens and businesses to contribute.
Irina Vereshchuk, deputy chief of staff to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, described the suspension of US non-military assistance as “unexpected and unpleasant.” She assured that Kiev will engage in “consultations with our American partners” to restore funding while implementing measures to “stabilize the situation” in the interim.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
