"We hope to transfer the money to the Russian gas company Gazprom shortly to pay for October gas supplies," said Economy Minister Roman Shpek.
The money had been placed in a special bank account for Ukraine's use, Shpek and U.S. officials told a news conference.
The grant was part of a $200 million assistance package pledged to Ukraine by Washington during President Leonid Kuchma's visit to the United States in November. Ukraine owes Russia about $1.4 billion for gas.
Officials said the government was taking drastic measures to cut energy use after below-zero temperatures had added to the country's energy problems. Deputy prime minister Anatoly Dyuba said television broadcasting time, street lights and hot water would be severely curtailed.
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