Ukraine’s Civil Society After the USAID Withdrawal

“60% budget cut this year, 96% gap next year,” said Daria Kaleniuk, ANTAC Executive Director, on the impact of USAID’s withdrawal from Ukraine. The exit left huge funding gaps for civil society and oversight. Kaleniuk, Martyna Volosovets, and Mykhailo Zhernakov warned of legislative rollbacks and threats to the rule of law. Zhernakov urged Germany and the EU to provide funds and political pressure to prevent reform backsliding. Co-host Mattia Nelles stressed Ukraine’s civil society as key to democratic resilience, noting Germany’s vital role as funding dries up. The call: sustained, focused support is crucial for Ukraine’s democratic future and EU goals.