Fri Sep 20 10:57:00 UTC 2024: ## EU pledges €35 billion loan to Ukraine, funded by frozen Russian assets
**Kyiv, Ukraine** – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Friday, announcing a €35 billion ($39 billion) loan for Ukraine, to be funded by frozen Russian assets. This is the EU’s latest contribution to Ukraine’s ongoing war effort, marking von der Leyen’s 8th visit to the country since the start of the Russian invasion.
The loan will be used to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, bolster its energy infrastructure, and purchase domestic weapons, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s preparations for winter, a critical period as Russia continues to target energy infrastructure, and highlighted the bloc’s assistance with Ukraine’s EU accession process.
“Relentless Russian attacks mean Ukraine needs continued EU support,” she said in a social media post. “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 larger G7 initiative to utilize proceeds from seized Russian assets to support Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the war continues to take a heavy toll. Independent Russian news outlets have identified over 70,000 Russian soldiers killed since the start of the conflict, a grim reminder of the human cost of the invasion.
Ukraine is preparing for crucial negotiations with its European partners as the winter season approaches. Zelenskyy has also urged the discussion of how to use Russian assets to protect Ukrainian lives from continued aggression.
The EU has also pledged an additional €160 million ($178 million) to help repair Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure, expand renewable energy sources, and fund shelters for those displaced by the conflict.
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