The suspension of funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) deprived the media in Ukraine and Russia of financial support. About this informs The Washington Post.
USAID is known for its humanitarian and medical activities, but a large part of its funds also went to support independent journalism. The publication notes that media organizations in Ukraine and Russia were critical of their governments and provided alternative sources of information, but many of them depended on American grants.
“Following the funding freeze, some organizations have said they may cut staff or close altogether in the coming weeks,” – says the WP material.
Ukrainian independent media, already struggling financially due to the war and declining advertising revenues, had to rely on international aid to survive. Head of Detector Media Nataliya Ligachova emphasized that more than 50% of media organizations that receive grants are dependent on American funding programs.
“This is critically important not only for Ukraine, but also for the United States, as independent media ensure democracy and pluralism in the country.” – noted Ligachova, expressing hope for the restoration of international support.
Detector Media also warns that the termination of funding may lead to the loss of the achievements of recent decades and create a threat to democratic processes in Ukraine.
Ukrainian investigative journalist Denys Bigus confirmed that USAID grants finance about two-thirds of his projects, and due to the termination of support, the question of staff reduction may arise.
Russian independent media, including those working in exile, also rely on American funding. They received grants from Washington as part of an initiative to provide alternative coverage of the war in Ukraine and political events in Russia.
