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  Oleksiy Kliuiev has become accustomed to working amidst danger. He leads a group of volunteers aiding civilians caught in the crossfire on Ukraine’s frontline.

In September of last year, he and his team narrowly escaped a drone attack as they rushed to assist residents under bombardment in the Sumy region, close to Ukraine’s northeastern border with Russia.

“By the time our volunteer group arrived, there had already been two hits on the hospital by Shahed drones,” Mr Kliuiev, who filmed the strike, tells Sky News. The destruction was stark: bodies scattered, vehicles ablaze, and structures reduced to ash. The attack claimed 11 lives.
As the conflict continues, this border region has become the focal point of Russia’s assault, aiming to seize control and restrict supplies to the Ukrainian military. Under such pressure, support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been more crucial than ever.
Mr Kliuiev spearheads the Sumy branch of Dobrobat, a volunteer organization focused on civilian assistance and emergency reconstruction in areas battered by Russian shelling. They understand the risks, viewing their mission as a rescue effort, dedicating themselves to aiding those in need.
However, in an unforeseen twist, their operations have been hindered. USAID funding, pivotal for their restoration projects, was unexpectedly frozen by US President Donald Trump on his first day in office. This has left Mr Kliuiev and others like him in a precarious situation, battling not only the war but also a legal and financial complexities brought by political decisions made miles away.
The ripple effects of this decision are felt far beyond the battlefields. Across Ukraine, thousands of similar projects are facing uncertainty, with many believing this move undercuts decades of dedication to international aid. The impact is not just on the ground but also on the morale of those who risk everything to stand against aggression.
Despite these setbacks, Mr Kliuiev remains defiant, emphasizing that while the support from USAID was a significant advancement for their cause, their resolve to continue the mission remains unwavering. Their struggle, while deeply personal and challenging, Highlights a broader narrative of resilience amidst the complexities of global politics and the commitment to stand by allies in times of turmoil.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/reckless-trump-usaid-cuts-hurting-humanitarian-efforts-in-ukraine-13327175