Ukraine could receive €45 billion from the EU as early as the second quarter
Ukraine could receive the first tranche of financial aid from the European Union as early as the second quarter of this year. The amount in question is 45 billion euros—half of the total 90-billion-euro package.
This was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following a meeting of the EU Council.
According to her, the first tranche could arrive in the coming months if all procedural issues are resolved on time.
The financial aid is planned to be used primarily for Ukraine’s defense needs, specifically for the production of drones and the procurement of air defense systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously noted that the funds will also go toward developing Ukraine’s defense industry, purchasing weapons from international partners, and preparing the energy system and critical infrastructure for the coming winter.
The Ukrainian side expects to receive these funds in late May or early June.
The European Union has approved a large-scale financial package for Ukraine worth 90 billion euros, which is intended to help cover the country’s most urgent budgetary needs. The loan does not impose an immediate financial burden on Ukraine, as its repayment is planned to be funded by future reparations from Russia. For now, the EU budget is providing the payment guarantees.
On April 23, EU member states approved the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which imposes restrictions on 46 vessels of the “shadow fleet” and 60 entities supporting the Russian military-industrial complex. The new measures include stricter export restrictions on dual-use goods and sanctions against 20 credit and financial institutions.
