WASHINGTON, August 9 (Bernama) -- US Senator Rand Paul criticised the Biden administration's latest funding allocation of US$4.5 billion to address Ukraine’s budget deficit instead of addressing pressing economic issues in the United States, reported Sputnik.
"Wow! The US government is actually trying to reduce the deficit!!?? Oh, wait, it’s for Ukraine, never mind. Business as usual with your (money)," Paul said via Twitter on Monday, commenting on the funding announcement by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
USAID said in a press release that the direct budgetary support will be provided to Ukraine in tranches, beginning with a US$3 billion disbursement later in August.
The funds will be provided to Ukraine through the World Bank, the USAID added in the release.
The funding is meant to support core functions of the Ukrainian government, including power for critical infrastructure, humanitarian efforts and civil servant pay, according to the release.
"Once these additional funds are fully disbursed, the US government will have provided US$8.5 billion in direct budgetary support to the Government of Ukraine. The resources provided today build on previous budget support, enabling the Ukrainian government to carry out core functions," the statement said.
Earlier in the day, the Pentagon announced that the US is providing US$1 billion in additional security aid for Ukraine.
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