Ukraine Urges Focus on Action as International Aid Package Faces Hurdles
Brussels – As peace talks continue, ukraine is pressing for concrete support, dismissing recent statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin as insincere. This comes amid ongoing discussions regarding a €90 billion aid package proposed by the European Commission too fund Ukraine’s military adn essential services.
The funding plan hinges on either a “reparations loan” utilizing frozen Russian assets held in a Brussels-based financial institution, or securing funds through international borrowing. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has expressed support for the proposal,stating it would cover approximately two-thirds of ukraine’s financing needs over the next two years.
However, the plan faces resistance. Belgium is hesitant to utilize its frozen Russian assets due to potential legal challenges from Moscow, and the European Central Bank (ECB) has refused to guarantee the loan. The proposed €90 billion is also a reduction from an initially planned €140 billion. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul acknowledged these concerns, stating, “we support this and, of course, take Belgium’s concerns seriously.”
Meanwhile, EU member states and the European Parliament have reached an agreement to achieve full independence from Russian gas by the end of 2027, banning long-term pipeline contracts from September 2027 and LNG contracts from January 2027. EU Energy Commissioner dan Jorgensen declared, “We’ve chosen energy security and independence for Europe. No more blackmail.No more market manipulation by Putin.We stand strong with Ukraine.”
NATO foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, affirmed the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s position while acknowledging the positive step of ongoing peace negotiations. Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the need to enable ukraine to “keep the fight going.”
UK government officials dismissed putin’s recent messaging as “yet more Kremlin claptrap from a president who isn’t serious about peace.”
