Additional Context: By the end of 2024 USAID had helped launch and sustain more than 300 local media outlets in Ukraine–nearly three-quarters of all such outlets in the country. With cuts to U.S. foreign assistance, some of Ukraine’s fledgling media have now folded, while others hang on as they explore new funding and revenue models. To note, some have claimed that

For Ukraine, the retreat in U.S. foreign assistance funding to the media sector not only weakens the country’s capacity to resist Russian aggression, but also undermines its efforts to meet EU accession criteria as it moves closer to prospective EU membership. Some Ukrainian experts also worry USAID’s absence will encourage a return to the days of media dependent upon oligarchs, political parties, or the state.

Source: IIEA,The Christian Science Monitor