WASHINGTON - The US government said on Tuesday it would provide US$4.5 billion (S$6.2 billion) in financial support for Ukraine, with the funds aimed at “bolstering economic stability and supporting core government services.”

The mobilisation comes as Kyiv grapples with fallout from Russia’s invasion, with Moscow stepping up strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as it faces growing losses on the ground.

“These funds will begin disbursing in the coming weeks,” said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a statement.

The aid will go to Ukraine’s government and help it against Russia’s war “by bolstering economic stability and supporting core government services, including wages for hospital workers, government employees, and teachers,” Ms Yellen added.

The World Bank said in a separate statement that grant is mobilised under its Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance in Ukraine (Peace) project, part of the multi-billion-dollar package to help the country.

The US funds come “at a critical time as the country faces severe energy supply disruption and colder weather,” said World Bank president David Malpass.

“Our commitment to deliver urgent assistance to the people of Ukraine is strong as ever,” he added.

The World Bank has so far mobilised nearly US$17.8 billion in emergency financing to support Ukraine’s people, and more than US$11.4 billion of this financing has been disbursed, it said.

The latest funds bring the total US direct budget support for Ukraine to US$13 billion, all in grants, said Ms Yellen. AFP