Lucerne, Switzerland

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United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday (June 15) pledged Washington's unwavering support for Ukraine and announced more than $1.5 billion in aid for the country's energy sector and its humanitarian situation as a result of the Russian offensive since late February 2022. Vice President Harris made this announcement at the Ukraine peace summit in Lucerne, Switzerland, where she met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"This war remains an utter failure for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin," Harris said during a bilateral meeting with Zelensky. "It is in our interest to uphold international norms," she added. 

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What does the aid include?

In a statement, Harris' office said the $1.5 billion includes $500 million in new funding for energy assistance and the redirecting of $324 million in previously announced funds toward emergency energy infrastructure repair and other needs in Ukraine.

Also read | Global leaders gather in Switzerland to pave way for Russia-Ukraine peace

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"These efforts will help Ukraine respond to Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by supporting repair and recovery, improving Ukraine's resilience to energy supply disruptions, and laying the groundwork to repair and expand Ukraine’s energy system," the office said.

Harris also announced more than $379 million in humanitarian assistance from the State Department and the US Agency for International Development to help refugees and other people impacted by the war.

World leaders join peace summit

The peace summit was attended by more than 90 countries who sought broader consensus for Ukraine's peace proposals. The talks at the summit focused on broader concerns triggered by the war, such as food and nuclear security. 

Also watch | Ukraine’ under pressure to call more troops as older recruits await young help

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But Turkey and Saudi Arabia, both mooted hosts for another such event, said meaningful progress required Russia's participation, the news agency Reuters reported. 

Zelensky trumpeted the summit's attendance as a success and predicted "history being made."

He told world leaders, "Today is the day when the world begins to bring a just peace closer."

Trump: Zelensky may be the greatest salesman

Meanwhile, former US president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump said on Saturday that "Zelensky is maybe the greatest salesman of any politician that's ever lived." 

Addressing his supporters in Detroit, Trump promised to put an end to "never-ending" multi-billion dollar payments to Ukraine in case he wins the presidential election.

"Every time he comes to our country, he walks away with $60 billion. And he gets home and he announces that he needs another $60 billion. It never ends. It never ends. I will have that settled," Trump said.

(With inputs from agencies)