The European Union is intensifying its support for Ukraine and preparing additional sanctions against Russia's war economy. European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas announced that the EUR90 billion loan package for Ukraine is ready to be disbursed, with the initial tranche designated for drone procurement.
EU Defence Ministers Meeting
Speaking at a press conference following an informal EU defence ministers meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus, Kallas stated that her services have proposed over 80 new listings targeting Russia's military industrial complex, human rights violators, and propagandists. These proposals are set to be discussed at the next Foreign Affairs Council.
Kallas reiterated the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine and highlighted that ministers explored ways to deepen defence industrial cooperation with Ukraine, particularly in air defence systems, which Kyiv critically needs. She emphasized that this cooperation must go hand in hand with facilitating the production of Ukrainian systems within the European Union and establishing European companies in Ukraine.
Loan Details
The EUR90 billion loan for Ukraine is ready to roll out, with the first EUR5.9 billion payout scheduled for this month, specifically allocated for drones, Kallas confirmed.
Zelenskyy's Diplomatic Engagements
The developments coincide with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's two-day visit to the United Kingdom, where he met King Charles III and held talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the E3-Ukraine format.
Sharing a photo from his meeting with King Charles III on social media, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the British monarch and the people of the United Kingdom for their continued support. "As always, a good audience with His Majesty King Charles III... I thank His Majesty, the people, and the entire United Kingdom for their ironclad support for our people," he posted.
During discussions with Starmer, Zelenskyy raised Ukraine's urgent need for additional missiles for air defence systems and other critical support to protect energy infrastructure and prepare for winter.
Zelenskyy also spoke with US Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during a stopover at Chisinau Airport. They discussed prospects surrounding the conflict in the context of the upcoming G7 Summit and other engagements scheduled this month.
In another social media post, Zelenskyy said he had spoken with French President Macron to coordinate next steps following the London discussions and to review details of the talks with the US envoys. "We must use every available opportunity to reinvigorate diplomacy and bring the end of Russia's war against Ukraine closer. We are preparing for the G7 format in France, and it is important that there be strong results," Zelenskyy stated.
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