Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Announcing Support for Ukrainian Children’s Education Following Russian Attacks

Russia is waging a war not just against the Ukrainian military, but also against the Ukrainian people.  On May 23, 2024, a Russian strike destroyed the Faktur-Druk printing house in Kharkiv, one of the largest printing houses in Europe. This is part of Russia’s ongoing destruction of printing houses in Kharkiv and elsewhere in Ukraine. Kharkiv’s printing houses produce a significant percentage of all books in Ukraine, including textbooks for Ukrainian children. By striking these printing houses, Russia is attacking Ukraine’s education system. We will not let Russia succeed. 

Today, we are announcing that the United States government, through USAID, is providing assistance to print more than three million textbooks for Ukrainian elementary school students ahead of this school year. These textbooks will be produced in Ukraine and delivered to more than 12,000 schools across the country. Our message is clear: We will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people as they defend against Russia’s barbaric war of aggression.

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