In a sign of commitment, EU unlocks aid for Ukraine as it fights off Russia
Al Jazeera
The deal will help Ukraine cover its massive wartime deficit, but experts question what concessions were made to assure its passage.
European Union leaders have overcome objections from Hungary to approve a 50 billion euro ($54bn) plan to support Ukraine for the next four years.
The unanimous decision came on Thursday, as Ukraine continues its struggle to repel a full-scale Russian invasion that began nearly two years ago.
Lawmakers and experts hailed the deal as an important buttress for the continued stability of the war-torn Eastern European country, whose economy is heavily reliant on Western aid.
“The EU showed commitment to the continuous support of Ukraine under difficult geopolitical and internal circumstances … and despite alleged public impatience with this support,” European Institute lecturer George Tzogopoulos told Al Jazeera.
Thursday’s deal, known as the “Ukraine Facility“, consists of 17 billion euros ($18.5bn) in grants and 33 billion euros ($35.8bn) in loans, designed to help Ukraine rebuild and recover from the war.
