Ukraine gets $3.9-bln budget support from U.S

MOSCOW. Aug 5 (Interfax) - A $3.9-billion U.S. tranche has been transferred to the Ukrainian state budget, thus ending the pause since the provision of the previous U.S. tranche of $1.15 billion in October 2023, Ukrainian media said, citing the Finance Ministry's statement.

"These $3.9 billion are gratis financial assistance and a very important contribution to the support for the Ukrainian state budget," the statement quoted Finance Minister Sergei Marchenko as saying. He said the funds would help the government cover priority social and humanitarian expenses without increasing the debt.

The money was transferred through the World Bank's Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance (PEACE) in Ukraine, it said.

The funds will compensate for the payment of salaries to teachers, emergency service personnel and public sector employees, as well as the benefits of internally displaced persons, low-income families, and disabled people, it said.

U.S. direct budget support has neared $27 billion since February 2022, the ministry said, adding that $7.8 billion were due to be disbursed this year.