FT: The US State Department may partially lift the ban on aid to Ukraine.

Diplomats from the US State Department are negotiating the lifting of restrictions on foreign aid programs for Ukraine. This decision was made by Secretary of State Mark Rubio and announced in a statement to the Financial Times.

State Department officials urged Rubio not to suspend the activities of USAID in Ukraine, the organization that focuses on international development. This decision, which took effect on January 25, currently suspends most US international programs.

USAID representatives hope for the lifting of restrictions. 'We do not know how well our proposal will be received, but we have reasons for optimism,' the letter to the organization's staff said.

USAID has suspended orders to halt operations pending an official response. Some contractors have already received directives to cease operations immediately.

Program directors of non-profit organizations warn of potential catastrophic consequences for projects supporting critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and the energy sector.

It should be noted that military aid to Ukraine remains unaffected and does not fall under the 90-day ban.

Earlier, Zelensky commented on the suspension of aid to Ukraine from the US State Department.