The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about a new aid package worth 18 billion euros.
The aid is planned to be given in monthly installments of 1.5 billion euros each, the EU Commission announced. In the phone conversation von der Leyen had with Zelensky, it was said that the loans will make a “significant contribution” to Kiev’s financial needs for 2023.
The funds will also support Ukraine to implement further reforms on its way to EU membership.
Zelensky announced on Twitter that he had spoken with von der Leyen about financial support for the current year and next year. Another topic was the export of grain from Ukraine via the Black Sea as a contribution to global food security.
A deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July, which aims to secure grain exports from Ukraine, is initially valid until November 19, and Russia has left open its extension.