The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, informed Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski on Sunday that she will present her proposal for economic aid to Kiev to cover its needs over the next year, estimated at 18 billion euros, this coming Tuesday.
This aid package consists of a series of «long-term loans on highly concessional terms, with interest costs covered, which will also contribute to Ukraine’s reform program on its way to joining the European Union».
This aid package will be divided into monthly amounts of €1.5 million and will be in addition to the approximately €19 billion that the EU has given to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February until the end of October.
«Both leaders have recognized the importance of regular and predictable funding for essential state functions,» according to the communiqué of the conversation on a package that «will need to be matched by similar support measures from other major international donors.»
Von der Leyen also assured Zelenski that the EU continues to work to continue providing immediate humanitarian support to Ukraine, particularly during the winter, and reiterated that the European bloc will be engaged with Ukraine «for the long term.»
The two leaders also discussed the importance of ensuring that Ukraine’s agricultural exports can reach the world through the agreement with Russia on the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
They also discussed plans to expand the capabilities of the so-called «EU-Ukraine Solidarity Rails,» which have so far been used to transport the vast majority of Ukraine’s agricultural and non-agricultural exports since the beginning of the Russian war.
Finally, the leaders discussed the strengthening of sanctions, as well as the negative role played by Iran’s support for Russia’s aggression, with the delivery of explosive drones, and how to respond to this issue.
