The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has announced the suspension of humanitarian assistance in nearly 20 countries, including Ukraine.

Reasons for NRC's Suspension of Activities

“For the first time in our history, we are forced to stop urgent humanitarian operations that hundreds of thousands of people rely on,” NRC officials stated.

The primary cause of this decision was the reduction of funding from the United States.

In Ukraine, the NRC has halted emergency assistance to 57,000 individuals in frontline areas.

“This is happening during the winter season, when people are left without heating and essential food supplies,” NRC emphasized.

The funding cuts are also leading to layoffs of humanitarian workers across various regions.

USAID Downsizing: Key Points

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is cutting the staff of USAID down to a few hundred employees. All staff hired directly by the agency will be placed on paid leave, according to internal documents.

Exceptions include employees performing critically essential functions and those involved in specific designated programs.

The administration has instructed USAID missions worldwide to determine which programs will continue. Programs that “support the national interests of the United States” will proceed.

USAID has been ordered to immediately suspend all projects in Ukraine following a directive from the State Department to freeze foreign aid for 90 days. The agency has funded projects across 29 sectors in 158 countries.