EU backs Ukraine with major funding as Zelenskyy welcomes support and stresses frozen Russian assets must remain blocked until compensation is paid

Kyiv

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday welcomed the European Union decision to provide ninety billion euros in financial support for 2026 and 2027, calling it vital for national resilience during war with Russia.
He thanked EU leaders for approving the package and stressed that frozen Russian assets must remain blocked until Moscow pays compensation. Zelenskyy said the guarantees give Ukraine stability for coming years and protect Europe’s shared future.
European Council President Antonio Costa announced the agreement after long talks in Brussels, saying the bloc committed and delivered. The money will be given as an interest free loan raised through EU borrowing on capital markets.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said leaders met with a clear aim to meet Ukraine urgent funding needs and succeeded through focused discussions.
Former German chancellor Olaf Scholz said the decision sent a strong message to Moscow and added that Russian assets would stay frozen until damages are paid.
The move followed Zelenskyy meetings with European leaders where he urged use of frozen Russian funds to support Ukraine economy and defence. He called such action morally justified.
The European Union has asked the Commission to examine the possibility of a reparations loan using frozen Russian assets, though legal challenges persist. Belgium, which holds most of the funds, has expressed concerns, leading to discussions with Prime Minister Bart De Wever. EU leaders confirmed that €210 billion in Russian assets will remain frozen until reparations are paid, after which Ukraine could use the money to repay EU loans. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said talks also covered coordination with the US, energy support, reconstruction, and EU membership, while settlement talks remain unresolved.