ALWAGHT- The Wall Street Journal indicates that the European Union might require providing additional funding to Ukraine beyond the recently approved €90 billion ($105 billion), according to diplomatic sources.
On Thursday, Brussels finalized an interest-free loan to Ukraine and announced that payments would commence in the second quarter of 2026. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised this development as a positive step for both Ukraine and Europe. The EU's hope that the funds would sustain Ukraine during the conflict with Russia until 2028 appears uncertain, as diplomats warn that the allocated amount "may not be enough."
The funding gap for 2027 has expanded since the initial plan in December, necessitating an additional €19 billion for Kiev's budget. If this occurs, the EU could potentially seek a new multi-billion loan in 12 months.
Dmitry Belik, a Russian MP on the State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, told RIA Novosti that European Council head Antonio Costa acknowledges that Brussels will not receive its money back. According to Belik, Costa's statements about receiving reparations from Russia are merely meant to save face and prolong the military conflict for another year by presenting the €90 billion loan as a gift. Moscow has repeatedly rejected such a scenario, stating that it is unrealistic.
