Ukraine war: US gives $20B to Kyiv funded by seized Russian assets

The United States has allocated $20 billion to Ukraine, funded by profits from seized Russian assets, as part of a broader $50 billion aid package agreed upon by G7 nations. This funding aims to alleviate the financial burden on U.S. taxpayers, according to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who emphasized that Russia should bear the costs of its actions in Ukraine. The funds have been transferred to a World Bank account, which cannot be used for military purposes, limiting the U.S. administration's initial plans to allocate half of the amount for military aid. The decision comes amid political uncertainty as President Joe Biden is set to be replaced by Donald Trump, who has expressed intentions to expedite an end to the conflict and has criticized ongoing financial support to Ukraine. The $20 billion is intended to provide essential support for Ukraine's emergency services and infrastructure as it faces ongoing military challenges, including recent territorial losses to Russian forces. The G7's agreement to utilize approximately $325 billion in frozen Russian assets aims to generate interest to fund Ukraine's needs over the next 30 years, with the EU also committing significant resources in a similar manner.

- The U.S. has provided $20 billion to Ukraine from seized Russian assets.

- This funding is part of a larger $50 billion aid package from G7 nations.

- The funds are designated for non-military purposes and managed by the World Bank.

- Political changes in the U.S. may impact future aid to Ukraine.

- The aid aims to support Ukraine's emergency services amid ongoing military challenges.