In a recent development, the United States has pledged to fund the printing of over three million textbooks for Ukrainian students in the upcoming school year. This decision comes in the wake of intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian printing facilities, which are seen as part of Moscow’s ongoing “war against the Ukrainian people,” according to US senior administration officials who spoke to CNN.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “By striking Ukrainian printing presses, Russia is seeking to disrupt the production of Ukrainian textbooks and the education of Ukrainian children. We will not let Russia succeed. That is why we are providing assistance to print more than three million textbooks for Ukrainian elementary school students ahead of this school year.”
The funding, amounting to approximately $8 million, is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia. This includes a shift in policy to allow US weapons to be used in strikes into Russian territory where Russian forces are engaging in cross-border attacks into Ukraine. Additionally, critical air defense capabilities are being prioritized for Ukraine over other countries.
The decision to fund the printing of textbooks came after Russia targeted Ukraine’s largest printing facility, Faktor Druk, in a missile attack on Kharkiv. It is estimated that it will take six to eight months for Ukraine to repair the damage caused by the attack.
Following the attack, National security adviser Jake Sullivan directed his team to address the fallout and ensure that educational materials reach Ukrainian students. After coordination between various agencies, it was decided that the US, through USAID, will provide the necessary funding for the printing of the textbooks.
The 3.2 million textbooks will be manufactured at other Ukrainian printing houses and distributed to approximately 12,700 schools throughout Ukraine in time for the start of the school year in September 2024. Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, expressed gratitude for the funding, describing it as “extremely timely and very much valued by the people of Ukraine.”
In a statement to CNN, Ambassador Markarova emphasized the significance of the funding for Ukrainian printing houses, stating, “It is another investment in our future, and our fight for justice and humanity. Like so much needed support with defense and weapons, this is yet another sign of strong strategic friendship between our nations.”
