The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has announced a temporary halt to humanitarian assistance in nearly 20 countries, including Ukraine.

NRC's Suspension of Aid: What Happened

“For the first time in our history, we are forced to cease urgent humanitarian operations that hundreds of thousands of people rely on,” NRC representatives stated.

The primary reason for this decision is the reduction of funding from the United States.

In Ukraine, NRC has halted emergency assistance to 57,000 people in frontline areas.

“This occurs during winter when people are left without heating and essential supplies, including food,” the Council pointed out.

Funding cuts are also leading to layoffs of humanitarian workers worldwide.

Changes in USAID

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reducing the USAID workforce to a few hundred employees. All staff hired directly by the agency will be placed on paid leave globally, according to internal documents.

Exceptions include employees performing critical functions and those involved in specific designated programs.

The U.S. administration has reached out to USAID missions worldwide to determine which programs will continue. Programs that “advance U.S. national interests” will continue.

USAID has been ordered to immediately suspend all projects in Ukraine following a directive from the State Department to freeze foreign aid for 90 days. The agency funded projects in 29 sectors across 158 countries worldwide.