U.S. to provide additional $4.9 bln in budget aid to Ukraine

MOSCOW. April 17 (Interfax) - The United States will provide an additional $4.9 billion of budget support to Ukraine through World Bank mechanisms, Ukrainian media reported quoting the U.S. State Department.

"An additional $4.9 billion will become available in September. This funding, along with support from the EU, the IMF and others, allows the [Ukrainian] government to provide critical services for its citizens," the press release said.

The State Department recalled that the U.S. has already provided $18 billion in budget support to Ukraine, but said "the scale of financing required for reconstruction can only be met by working closely with the private sector to spur investment."