The United Nations reported on Monday that approximately 640,000 women and girls in Ukraine will face disruptions to essential services following the United States’ decision to cease nearly all financial contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). These cuts will directly impact psycho-social support, gender-based violence services, safe spaces, and economic empowerment programs crucial for the well-being and safety of women in Ukraine.

UNFPA expressed deep regret over the US government’s decision to terminate all funding agreements, totaling approximately $377 million, which were intended to support maternal health care, violence protection, rape treatment, and other life-saving services in crisis-affected regions, including countries like Afghanistan, Chad, Haiti and Ukraine. The majority of US funding was directed towards emergency settings, with 16 grants issued under humanitarian waivers.

According to the UN, the escalating conflict has left many women without stable income or housing, placing them at heightened risk of economic exploitation and further violence. The UNFPA’s services have been a lifeline for these vulnerable populations, offering critical support and protection.

Since 2022, the US government has been funding over 50 of UNFPA’s mobile psychosocial teams, which have played a vital role in assisting females in Ukraine. These teams have been instrumental in responding to the surge in reports of intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other gender-based violence since the Ukraine war three years ago.

UNFPA expressed hope that the US government will reconsider its decision and continue its role as a global leader in collaboration with UNFPA to mitigate the suffering endured by women and their families in the aftermath of disasters beyond their control.

On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order to freeze all foreign aid for review and modifications. Despite the waiver for emergency humanitarian waiver in place, this is not the first time rights groups decried the impediment the freeze brought to humanitarian assistance worldwide. In February, UN officials and Amnesty International warned about the possible rise in Afghanistan maternal deaths and the abrupt shutdowns  of hospitals and refugee camps in Myanmar due to the suspension of foreign aid programs. The Norwegian Refugee Council suspended its US-funded humanitarian work the same month due to the freeze.