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State Department says Ukraine Conflict Observatory award terminated; short‑term funds provided to preserve data
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Summary
The State Department paused and later terminated an award supporting the Ukraine Conflict Observatory; spokesperson Tami said limited funding was provided to support standard closeout procedures and transfer preserved data to appropriate authorities, not to restore the award.
The Department of State paused an award supporting the Ukraine Conflict Observatory on Jan. 25 and terminated it on Feb. 26, a State Department spokesperson said at a press briefing, adding that limited funds were provided during a closeout period to ensure preservation and transfer of critical data.
"This is not a reversal of funding. It has not been renewed. This is a closeout procedure that required funding to move to make sure the data that was retained that exists is moved to the proper authorities," spokesperson Tami said. She described the data as "protected and available" and said that funding provided during the closeout was intended to facilitate the implementers' transfer of data to the proper authorities.
Reporters asked whether the action signaled an end to U.S. investigations into war crimes or other abuses. Tami said she would not discuss investigative details but rejected the idea that terminating a single award means the United States has stopped work on these issues. She said other entities — including U.N. bodies and partner governments — remain involved and that U.S. diplomatic engagement on related issues continues.
When asked for a dollar figure for the closeout funding, Tami said she could not provide an amount and that the funding "facilitates the goal of that closeout." She characterized reporting that described the payment as a "reversal" or "restoration" of support as inaccurate.
The spokesperson tied the award pause and termination to a broader foreign assistance review directed by the secretary and consistent with the executive order referenced in the briefing.
