Ukraine to receive EUR 3.5B from EU in March – von der Leyen

She stated this in her speech at the International Summit on the Support of Ukraine in Kyiv on Monday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

“24 February 2022 is a day that will live forever in infamy. Today we join you in remembrance of the fallen heroes of Ukraine, and those still fighting on the frontlines. A peaceful nation was invaded, with no reason except Putin’s imperial obsession. But we believe in a free and sovereign Ukraine on its path towards the European Union. And we join you to shape this future together,” von der Leyen said.

She said that the war in Ukraine remains the most central and consequential crisis for Europe’s future. “Putin is trying harder than ever to win this war on the ground. His goal remains Ukraine’s capitulation,” she said.

“We know what could happen next. Because it has already happened before. It is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It is Europe’s destiny. So our first priority remains to empower Ukraine’s resistance. So far, our Union and Member States have supported Ukraine to the tune of EUR 134 billion. That is more than anybody else. Thanks to our Ukraine Facility and the G7 loan, we have closed Ukraine’s budgetary gap for the entire year 2025,” von der Leyen said.

She stressed that in parallel with economic assistance, the EU should speed up the immediate delivery of weapons and ammunition and that this this will be at the heart of work in Europe in the coming weeks.

“Today, I am here with the College of the European Commission. A free and sovereign Ukraine is not only in the European interest but also in the interest of the entire world. Autocrats around the world are watching very closely whether there is any impunity if you invade your neighbor and violate international borders. Or if there is true deterrence. This is not only paramount for Europe. It is also important for Asia, for Africa, and both sides of the Atlantic. An investment in Ukraine’s sovereignty is an investment in the prevention of future wars,” von der Leyen said.

She noted that Ukraine’s resilience is even more important for Europe and the whole world, given the rapid development of Ukraine’s defense industry and defense innovation. This potential should never fuel the arsenals of an aggressive power, but strengthen the resilience of a European Union that is taking on more responsibility for its own security.

According to von der Leyen, Ukraine has a lively start-up scene with a lot of expertise in rising sectors like AI and drones. The can-do attitude and entrepreneurial spirit of young and dynamic Ukrainian companies can provide important impulses to Europe’s competitiveness.

“Europe is here to strengthen Ukraine in this critical moment. I can announce that a new EUR 3.5 billion payment for Ukraine will arrive already in March,” she said.

She recalled that European Council President Antonio Costa had already announced that a special meeting of EU leaders would be held soon, during which the European Commission would present a broad plan – how to scale up arms production and strengthen defense capabilities in Europe. Ukraine would also benefit from the implementation of these plans.

“When we talk about security, we are not just talking about the military dimension. The people here in Ukraine know this very well. For three years, Russia has sought to plunge Ukraine into darkness by relentlessly targeting the energy infrastructure. We have prepared an ambitious package on energy security. The aim is to ensure a resilient, secure and competitive energy system for Ukraine. We will fully integrate Ukraine’s and Moldova’s electricity market with our electricity market by the end next year. And we will seize the full potential of Ukraine’s vast gas storages, of which 80% are located close to EU Member States,” von der Leyen said.

She stressed that such activities will generate income for Ukraine. At the same time, the European side will accelerate investments in the development of renewable energy in Ukraine. These efforts will result in greater energy security for both Ukraine and the European Union.

“No one wants more peace than the people of Ukraine. But a just and lasting peace only comes through strength. This is why we strengthen your economy. This is why we increase the resilience of your energy supply. This is why we will continue training and equipping your troops. Think of the importance of artillery ammunition, for example. And today we are adopting our 16th package of sanctions. We will increase punitive sanctions against Russia, unless they demonstrate true willingness to achieve a lasting peace agreement. Slava Ukraini,” von der Leyen concluded.

Photo: European Union