Biden pledges $48M in aid to Ukraine

Biden pledges $48M in aid to Ukraine

By Ferdous Al-Faruque - 06/07/14 01:48 PM EDT

http://thehill.com/policy/international/208585-biden-pledges-48m-in-aid-to-ukraine

The U.S. is giving an additional $48 million to the new Ukrainian government to bolster its economy, the White House announced Saturday.

The additional funds will help fight corruption, bolster energy security and strengthen its State Border Guard Service.

Vice President Biden announced the pledge during a trip to Kiev for the inauguration of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

“Pending consultation with the U.S. Congress, this assistance will follow the $1 billion loan guarantee signed on April 14, a $50 million crisis-response package announced by Vice President Biden on April 21, and $23 million in security assistance announced to date,” the administration said in a statement. “When added to previously budgeted funds, the United States is providing over $184 million in assistance to Ukraine this year in addition to the loan guarantee.”

Ukraine is still in a state of civil war as pro-Russian militias in the east are fighting to break away from the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered increased security along the Ukrainian border Saturday after Porochenko’s swearing-in.

Besides Ukraine, the U.S. is also giving similar aid to other pro-Western countries along Russia’s borders, including $8 million to Moldova and $5 million to Georgia.

The announcement comes a day after President Obama pressed Putin to recognize the new Ukrainian government.

Vice President Biden

Joseph R. Biden Jr. is the vice president for the Barack Obama administration, and a regent at the Smithsonian Institution.

Note: Alan G. Spoon was a regent at the Smithsonian Institution, and a trustee at the Committee for Economic Development.

Shirley Ann Jackson is a regent at the Smithsonian Institution, and was a trustee at the Committee for Economic Development.

Foundation to Promote Open Society was a funder for the Committee for Economic Development.

George Soros was the chairman for the Foundation to Promote Open Society.

Richard H. Davis is a trustee at the Committee for Economic Development, and a managing director at Davis Manafort.

Viktor F. Yanukovich is a Davis Manafort client, and was the president of the Ukraine.

Donna S. Morea was a trustee at the Committee for Economic Development, and the EVP for the CGI Group Inc.

CGI Group Inc. was the Obamacare contractor that developed Healthcare.gov web site.

Obamacare is Barack Obama’s signature policy initiative.