EU to provide Ukraine with additional $4.5 billion in aid

European Council President Antonio Costa announced that the European Union will provide Ukraine with an additional €4.2 billion in humanitarian, economic, and military aid by the end of the year. Starting next month, the bloc plans to supply €1.5 billion in monthly funding for the next year, sourced from income generated by Russia’s frozen assets.

During a press conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv—his first official trip since taking office—Costa emphasized the EU’s steadfast support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. “On the first day of my term, I am in Kyiv with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. This demonstrates the EU’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine,” Costa stated.

He underscored the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for respect for the country’s borders. Costa also condemned Russia’s strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure as “inhumane” and reiterated that the EU has stood with Ukraine since the first day of the war.

The aid package, Costa noted, will bolster Ukraine’s budget while supporting military purposes. He also revealed plans for the EU to intensify economic pressure on Russia. “We are preparing the 15th sanctions package against the Putin regime,” he said.

Costa affirmed Ukraine’s place in the “European family” and expressed eagerness to see the country join the EU as a full member.