Fact Check: Did Ukraine ‘Psychological Warfare’ Unit Get $140M From USAID?

Debunking Misinformation: USAID, Ukraine, and the $140 Million Claim

In recent months, a misleading claim has circulated on social media platforms, alleging that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $140 million annually to a purported "Psychological and Information Warfare Center" in Ukraine. This claim, which gained traction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), suggests that these funds were used to manipulate U.S. voters and leaders through influencers and chatbots. However, a meticulous fact-checking process has revealed the inaccuracy of these assertions.

Origin of the Claim

The claim originated from a post by user @amuse on X, which included a screenshot purporting to show USAID’s funding of the center. The post alleged that such activities had been ongoing since 2022. However, discrepancies were noted between the post’s text, which mentioned annual payments, and the screenshot, which indicated monthly disbursements. This inconsistency was an early red flag in the credibility of the claim.

Fact-Checking the Allegations

Upon investigation, fact-checkers found no evidence of a "Psychological and Information Warfare Center" receiving USAID funds. The majority of USAID’s appropriations for Ukraine have been directed towards essential public services, including salaries for government employees, pensions, social services, and aid for displaced persons, following Russia’s invasion. According to a report by the Special Inspector General, between fiscal years 2022 and 2024, Congress appropriated significant funds for Ukraine, with a substantial portion allocated to USAID for humanitarian and governance programs.

Financial Allocation Details

The breakdown of USAID’s expenditures reveals that the notion of $140 million being spent on a psychological warfare center is implausible. The funds managed by USAID were primarily for critical sectors such as health, disaster assistance, and community initiatives. The claimed figure would exceed the combined spending on these essential areas, making the allegation economically unfeasible.

Exposing the Fabricated Evidence

Further investigation revealed that the screenshot accompanying the claim was fabricated. It was an edited image from a Fox News article unrelated to Ukraine, discussing funding for DOGE cryptocurrency. This misleading image had previously appeared on pro-Russian Telegram accounts, indicating a potential source of the misinformation.

Implications and Conclusion

The spread of such false claims not only misinforms the public but also exacerbates tensions surrounding international aid and geopolitical events. Fact-checking organizations have conclusively debunked the claim, emphasizing that USAID’s role in Ukraine is focused on humanitarian efforts, not psychological warfare. This episode underscores the importance of verifying information through credible sources to combat misinformation and maintain public trust.