APTOPIX Russia Ukraine War

In Pavlohrad, eastern Ukraine, a former concert hall now serves as a temporary shelter for civilians displaced by the ongoing conflict, offering food, warmth, and sanitation facilities.

Recent Russian military advances have intensified fighting in the region, necessitating the use of the concert hall as a refuge from relentless shelling.

One resident, 83-year-old Kateryna Odraha, a World War II survivor, expressed gratitude for the shelter’s provisions.

However, the shelter’s continued operation is jeopardized.

The facility’s monthly operating costs are $7,000, with 60% previously funded by U.S. aid.

President Trump’s recent decision to halt U.S. foreign humanitarian aid has directly impacted this shelter, located near the front lines.

This abrupt halt to funding has affected numerous U.S.-funded programs, creating uncertainty for the shelter’s future.

Illia Novikov, the shelter’s coordinator, expressed concern about the unknown consequences of the funding cut.

The U.S. funding supported vital aspects of the shelter’s operation, including fuel for evacuation vehicles, staff salaries, and support services.

The shelter typically assists around 60 people daily, but this number can surge to over 200 during intensified fighting.

Many evacuees have endured months of hardship in basements without basic amenities.

Vasyl Odraha, 58, remained in his village despite escalating conflict, initially harboring hopes that President Trump’s election would resolve the war quickly.

He and his mother fled only after the front line approached dangerously close to their home.

They emphasized that leaving was crucial for their survival.

The aid freeze affects various sectors across Ukraine, straining the nation’s already stretched resources.

Energy, veteran support, psychological services, cybersecurity, healthcare, media, and border infrastructure are among the areas impacted, hindering efforts to mitigate the war’s impact.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy anticipates a $300-400 million aid cut, primarily affecting the energy sector.

Ukraine seeks to offset this loss through European or domestic sources.

While U.S. military aid remains unaffected, Ukraine has received only 42% of the congressionally approved funds.

With the war’s duration uncertain, the need for continued assistance to Ukrainian civilians remains significant.

The shelter’s coordinator anticipates the need for prolonged evacuation support due to the possibility of shifting front lines and new affected communities.

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Associated Press journalists Samya Kullab and Susie Blann contributed.