**Ukraine Seeks Alternative Funding Sources**
The Ukrainian government is working to secure alternative funding sources for critical programs previously supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna said that preliminary agreements have been reached on some of these projects.
Stefanishyna emphasized that urgent funding has already been identified for recovery efforts, energy resilience, and cyber defense projects. The European Commission and Group of Seven (G7) countries are expected to announce a decision on resuming the work of commissions responsible for appointing key members of Ukraine’s judiciary and anti-corruption institutions.
**US Aid Freeze**
The suspension of USAID’s operations in Ukraine has affected several commissions involved in judicial selections, which have either halted work or faced operational issues. Stefanishyna stressed the need for international partners to uphold their joint responsibility in supporting Ukraine’s reforms.
USAID has funded a wide range of initiatives in Ukraine, from energy security to civil society development. The Trump administration has reportedly planned to eliminate most positions at USAID and freeze all foreign assistance for 90 days.
**Russia’s Military Efforts**
Overnight, Russia launched 112 Shahed combat drones and decoy drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The current U.S. sanctions on Russia, particularly those targeting its energy sector, are seen as ineffective by some experts.
**Ukraine’s Reactions**
The Ukrainian delegation will present the country’s position on ending the war and its vision of achieving a “lasting and sustainable peace,” Presidential Administration head Andriy Yermak noted. Ukraine is facing a critical task – to restart relations with its strategic partner, the United States.
Bulgaria has provided Ukraine with old Soviet-era military equipment, with funds received from NATO and EU allies being reinvested into purchasing modern Western weapons. The Ukrainian government wants Washington to be fully informed about mobilization efforts and the supply of weapons and equipment.
**Other Developments**
Slovak gas company SPP began importing Russian gas again through the TurkStream pipeline on February 1, with plans to double supplies by April. The US Justice Department is shutting down a program that sanctioned Kremlin-linked oligarchs, launched in 2022.
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