Brussels (ANSA) – On the occasion of her eighth visit to Kiev, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the intention to grant Ukraine a loan of 35 billion euros, as part of the G7 decision to provide Kiev with financing of 50 billion dollars with the guarantee of Russian assets frozen in Europe.
“Relentless Russian attacks make ongoing EU support to Ukraine necessary. The Commission will provide Ukraine with a loan of up to 35 billion euros as part of the G7’s commitment. This is another important EU contribution to Ukraine’s recovery,” von der Leyen wrote in a tweet. During the meeting with the Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelensky, the president also presented the Commission’s winter preparation plan for Ukraine.
This is additional support worth around 160 million euros that will help cover over 25% of the country’s electricity needs. “The heating season will start in two weeks and Russia’s incessant attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure aim to inflict maximum damage. We will help Ukraine in its courageous efforts to overcome this situation,” von der Leyen explained, speaking to reporters including the pool of agencies gathered at the European Newsroom, of which ANSA is a part (September 20).