Although it is not officially considered a “world war”, the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have a negative global impact, acknowledged Samantha Power, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Power coordinates the humanitarian efforts of the Government of President Joe Biden both in Europe and in other regions, for which he acknowledged on ABC News the effects of the conflict in response to the fact that the scenario looks like “a kind of world war”.
“Certainly in terms of effects , not limited to the horrors that the Ukrainian people are suffering,” Power acknowledged. “But our job is to look at it globally. We also want to keep the unit type global”.
The official criticized Vladimir Putin’s regime for trying to take advantage of the crisis and accuse the West of the negative effects of the armed conflict.
“ Russia tries to take advantage of this and say, ‘Oh, it’s the sanctions that are causing these high food prices.’ Not at all,” emphasized the official. “It’s Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for no reason and her unwillingness now to come to the negotiating table… That’s what’s causing these cascading effects.”
In addition to the distribution of humanitarian aid, USAID coordinates efforts with civil organizations and local leaders in various countries in counterweight to the powers in charge, such as in Belarus – whose government supports Russia –, where Power has been in contact with Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Democratic Opposition.
At a meeting of the in April, Power and Tsikhanouskaya discussed actions to advance democratic processes in Belarus.
“During the meeting, Administrator Power asked about the challenges faced by democracy activists working inside and outside of Belarus and how USAID can support civil society and journalists” USAID spokeswoman Rebecca Chalif reported. “Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the growing resistance movement in Belarus to Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine. She shared how the democratic forces see a strong connection between a free Belarus and a secure Ukraine.”
Power’s actions to strengthen the US effort include the appointment of Erin McKee as Deputy Administrator of the Office for Europe and Eurasia.
The administration Biden has committed more than $1,000 million dollars in humanitarian aid, $500 million were announced on 22 April by the president.
“This financing from USAID It will help maintain essential services and emergency response [en Ucrania]”, recognized Power when highlighting the deployment of funds. “And it will help maintain the supply of gas and electricity to hospitals and schools, and support the salaries of public officials.”
Power defended the US actions in Maripoul , after questions on CBS News that the Administration could basically only “watch”, how more than 100, people were caught in the middle of Russian attacks.
“I don’t think it’s a fair characterization of what the United States has done,” Power defended. “We have exerted all kinds of diplomatic pressure against the countries that have retained influence with Putin… from Turkey to Israel, India and China. And Putin doesn’t care and he is defying the will of the world to allow civilians to be evacuated, to allow food and medicine to be sent.”
A delegation of US congressmen. The US, led by the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, met with Volodymyr Zelensky. / PHOTO: Getty Images
Pelosi visits Ukraine
The speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (California), led a congressional delegation that made a surprise visit to Ukraine, where she met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Our congressional delegation had the solemn opportunity and extraordinary honor to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other senior Ukrainian officials in kyiv,” Pelosi’s office reported. “Our delegation traveled to kyiv to send an unequivocal and resounding message to the entire world: the United States stands firmly with Ukraine.”
The trip occurred a few days after President Biden sent a package of reforms to Congress to persecute millionaires with ties to the Putin regime, in addition to designating $33,000 additional millions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid.
“Zelenskyy…conveyed the clear need for continued security, economic assistance and humanitarian assistance of the United States to address the devastating human toll that Putin’s diabolical invasion has inflicted on the Ukrainian people,” the report added. “Our delegation proudly conveyed the message that additional American support is on the way, as we work on… Biden’s strong funding request in a legislative package.”
The President Zelensky posted a video on Twitter of the meeting with Pelosi and Congressmen Gregory Meeks (New York), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Schiff (California), chairman of the House Intelligence panel, and Jim McGovern (Massachusetts), who heads the House Rules Committee.
Other representatives of the delegation were Bill Keating (Massachusetts), Barbara Lee (California) and Jason Crow (Colorado).
After the visit in Ukraine, the delegation would travel to Poland, to meet with President Andrzej Duda.
“When we return to the United States, we will do so more informed, deeply inspired and ready to do whatever it takes to help the Ukrainian people as they defend democracy for their nation and the world,” Pelosi said.