Fri Sep 20 08:18:00 UTC 2024: ## EU Pledges €35 Billion Loan to Ukraine, Funds to Come from Frozen Russian Assets
**Kyiv, Ukraine** – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv on Friday and announced a €35 billion ($39 billion) loan for Ukraine, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting the nation as it faces the ongoing Russian invasion. The loan will be funded using frozen Russian assets, a measure taken to sanction Moscow for its aggression.
“Relentless Russian attacks mean Ukraine needs continued EU support,” von der Leyen stated on social media. “The EU Commission will provide a loan of up to 35 billion euros to Ukraine as part of the G7 pledge. This is another major EU contribution to Ukraine’s recovery.”
The loan is part of a broader plan by G7 nations to use seized Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction. The funding is expected to be used for air defense, energy, and domestic weapons purchases, as outlined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Von der Leyen’s visit also focused on preparing Ukraine for the upcoming winter, which poses significant challenges due to the destruction of critical infrastructure by Russian attacks. The EU will provide an additional €160 million ($178 million) to repair damaged energy infrastructure, expand renewable energy sources, and fund shelters.
Zelenskyy expressed his hope that US President Joe Biden will support his plan to end the war with Russia, a plan he intends to discuss during his upcoming visit to the US on September 26.
In other news, an independent Russian news website and the BBC have identified over 70,000 Russian soldiers killed since the start of the war, based on analysis of official statements, obituaries, and death notices. Italy has pledged to send another SAMP-T air defense system to Ukraine, and Ukrainian forces successfully shot down 61 out of 70 Russian attack drones in overnight strikes.
First Piper 