**Moldova’s FM Invites Elon Musk to See Impact of US Aid Amid USAID Freeze**
In a surprising move, Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi has extended an open invitation to tech billionaire Elon Musk to visit the country. The aim is for Musk to see firsthand the impact of U.S. development aid, following the Trump administration’s suspension of all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs worldwide.
The invitation comes in response to Musk’s scathing comments about USAID being a “criminal organization.” As a result, the Trump administration has paused all USAID operations globally for 90 days, citing the need for a comprehensive review and reform. By March, 83% of global USAID programs had been canceled.
Popșoi hopes that Musk’s visit will persuade him to reconsider his views on USAID’s effectiveness. He highlighted successful projects such as Artcor, Mediacor, and the revitalization of the Moldovan wine industry, which have received funding from USAID. “That may be the case if he comes,” Popșoi said. “Mr. Musk can convince himself by going to Artcor, to Mediacor, to visit the wine industry, which was helped by USAID to increase the country’s brand.”
The Trump administration has ruled out U.S. participation in the so-called “reassurance force,” but London and Paris are pushing Washington to provide airpower, intelligence support, or border surveillance as a backstop to the coalition’s efforts.
**Ukraine Updates**
In Ukraine, USAID has provided $2.6 billion in humanitarian aid, $5 billion in development assistance, and more than $30 billion in direct budget support since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of a “systemic” recruitment effort involving Chinese nationals in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry denounced the religious persecution carried out by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories, accusing Moscow of killing dozens of clergy members and damaging hundreds of churches.
The consultations between Washington and Moscow will be held in a closed format. The London court found a 48-year-old Russian citizen guilty of circumventing sanctions on six out of seven counts.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Ukraine’s Air Force shot down 85 of the 145 attack and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight. Forty-nine drones disappeared from radars without causing damage.
A transport visa-free regime is a prerequisite for Ukraine’s membership in the European Union, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
The April 11 meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will take place in Brussels under the chairmanship of the U.K. and Germany.
Ukraine will begin technical consultations with the U.S. on the minerals agreement on April 11, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna said.
Moscow released Ksenia Karelina, a U.S.-Russian dual national accused of treason for allegedly raising money for the Ukrainian military.
A 16-year-old boy is in serious condition after an overnight drone strike against the regional center damaged several residential buildings and left 10 people injured.
The number of casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day includes 1,420. The SBU reported that two Russian captives were captured near Tarasivka and Bilohorivka, serving in the 2nd Battalion of Russia’s 157th Motorized Rifle Brigade and the 1st Battalion of the 81st Motorized Rifle Brigade.
**Analysis**
The invitation to Elon Musk by Moldova’s Foreign Minister is a bold move aimed at showcasing the impact of US aid. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate, it remains unclear whether USAID will resume its operations or if the Trump administration will reconsider its stance on international aid. One thing is certain – Ukraine and the world are watching closely for any developments in this situation.
**Conclusion**
As we continue to follow the unfolding events in Ukraine and around the world, one thing is clear: the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is far from over. The invitation to Elon Musk by Moldova’s Foreign Minister highlights the need for international cooperation and aid in times of crisis. We will keep bringing you updates as this situation develops.
**Sources**
* Kyiv Independent
* WSJ
Note: This article is a summary of the provided news, condensed into a cohesive piece with additional analysis and context where necessary.