Ukraine receives $1.5 billion World Bank aid for reconstruction and social needs

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on X/Twitter on 29 March that the country has secured a $1.5 billion tranche from the World Bank. This aid package, with contributions of $984 million from Japan and $516 million from the UK, is designated for covering budget expenditures related to social and humanitarian needs, as well as reconstruction efforts amidst the ongoing Russian invasion.

Prime Minister Shmyhal expressed his gratitude towards the governments of Japan and the UK, as well as World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and Anna Bjerde, for their unwavering support. He emphasized the importance of this financial assistance in addressing the pressing needs of the Ukrainian people and rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure damaged by the conflict.

The receipt of this World Bank program funding is a timely relief for Ukraine, which has been heavily reliant on financial aid from Western partners during the all-out war with Russia, now in its third year.

In February, the World Bank estimated Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery costs at $486 billion over the next decade, up from $411 billion a year ago.

Meanwhile, a $60+ US aid package for Ukraine had been stalled in Congress for months since last October due to opposition from Republicans.

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