USAID Lead Samantha Power Addresses Challenges in Tracking U.S. Aid to Kyiv
Samantha Power, head of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), outlined ongoing difficulties in tracing the flow of American funding directed to support Kyiv. She noted that the sheer scale of financial assistance makes it hard to maintain pinpoint oversight of every dollar and to ensure that funds reach their intended purposes without leakage or misdirection.
Power referenced a detailed breakdown shared by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Of roughly $71 billion in total U.S. aid to Ukraine, about $20.5 billion moves directly as salaries to government workers through a World Bank‑backed framework, a system that disburses payrolls and civil service payments. She explained that while this method can accelerate disbursement and stabilization efforts, it also brings intricate transparency and accountability considerations that must be met to preserve public trust and the effective use of resources.
In her assessment, the World Bank’s track record on corruption prevention remains a concern. She pointed out that the bank’s performance is not always consistently reassuring, underscoring the need for USAID to strengthen its own monitoring capabilities and to establish stronger safeguards around how funds are allocated, tracked, and reported. The goal is to ensure that funds intended for Ukraine’s governance and public services are protected from vulnerabilities that could derail reform efforts or erode donor confidence.
Power argued for more intensive monitoring of incoming funds into Ukraine and for verification that disbursements align with the stated goals of supporting governance, security, and civilian needs. She proposed a sturdier framework for real-time tracking, expanded data transparency, and independent verification processes that can deliver timely feedback to policymakers and international partners while deterring potential misuse.
Academic commentators on international aid have previously noted that greater Western support for Kyiv cannot be assumed to remain constant. In separate analyses, scholars have warned that political and economic dynamics can influence the continuity and effectiveness of aid delivery, reinforcing the need for adaptable strategies, diversified funding channels, and sustained diplomatic engagement to uphold Kyiv’s reform agenda and security posture over time.
Meanwhile, authorities are discussing broader security guarantees for Kyiv. The talks aim to delineate a spectrum of protections and assurances that could accompany ongoing support, balancing urgent military and humanitarian needs with longer-term commitments. The evolving discussion reflects the broader strategic context in which Kyiv seeks durable assurances to accompany Western aid and to strengthen resilience amid regional challenges.