**U.S. Officials Seek to Lift Freeze on Ukraine Aid**
The U.S. State Department is asking for special exemptions to the government‘s freeze on foreign aid, which would allow funds to be released for Ukraine.
**Background: The Freeze**
When President Donald Trump took office in January, the U.S. imposed a 90-day freeze on nearly all foreign aid projects. This included critical humanitarian aid and reconstruction programs in Ukraine.
**Exemptions Sought**
Senior State Department officials are working to secure exemptions for Ukraine, which would allow the country to receive funding for demining, narcotics control, and civil society projects. These exemptions would go beyond a previous U.S. waiver that allowed only “life-saving” programs to continue.
**What’s Not Included**
The exemptions would not cover initiatives supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). According to a document seen by Politico, waivers cannot be granted for DEI-related projects.
**Uncertainty Ahead**
It remains unclear whether the exemptions will be granted. The State Department said in a statement that “programs that serve our nation’s interests will continue,” but did not confirm whether Ukraine would receive additional funding.
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