Tensions in Ukraine have risen after the Kremlin amassed around 100,000 troops at various points along the Ukrainian border. According to a recent satellite image, Russian military forces have been identified in seven different locations, but the Kremlin has repeatedly denied any intention to invade.
Now the European Commission has stepped in to help Ukraine with a €1.2 billion financial aid package.
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that it would be made up of both emergency loans and grants, and would provide assistance “as soon as possible.”
Announcing the package, he said: “The EU supports Ukraine. We are firm in our determination. I am announcing a new financial assistance package, made up of emergency loans and grants, to support Ukraine in the medium and long term.”
He added that the support will help Ukraine “address financial needs due to the conflict and support the country’s resilience-building efforts.”
Von der Leyen also called on partners such as the International Monetary Fund to renew their commitment to Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the European Commission on Twitter, saying: “I am grateful to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, for the timely decision of the EU to provide €1.2 billion in macro-financial assistance to Ukraine. Strong Ukraine is key to European security. The EU once again shows strong support for Ukraine.”
The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Jens Stoltenberg, has warned that the possibility of a conflict is real and the President of the United States, Joe Biden, has said that he expects an attack to take place.
The conflict comes as Ukraine moves toward closer ties with the European Union, particularly NATO, which Russia has long opposed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed in the past that Ukraine’s entry would leave Moscow unprotected from direct attack by the West.
On Monday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borell said: “All members of the European Union are united. We are showing unprecedented unity on the situation in Ukraine, with strong coordination with the United States.”
The package announced by von der Leyen means the European Commission is almost doubling its bilateral grant assistance to Kiev this year, adding another $135 million on top of the $180 million already planned.
Boris Johnson warned President Putin that an invasion of Ukraine would be a “disastrous step” that could leave Russia mired in a protracted and bloody conflict.
However, he said he did not believe war was inevitable and that there is a possibility that “common sense may still prevail.”
The prime minister confirmed the departure of some British embassy staff, saying: “We think it is prudent to make some changes now.”
“Intelligence is very clear that there are 60 Russian battle groups on Ukraine’s borders, the plan for a blitzkrieg that could wipe out Kiev is something everyone can see.”
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss told the media in Brussels that a “very strong sanctions package” has been prepared “in the event that Russia makes an incursion into Ukraine.”
On Sunday, the US State Department announced it would order diplomats’ relatives to leave Ukraine, as US President Joe Biden weighed options for increasing US military assets. in Eastern Europe to counter the Russian troop buildup.
The US Embassy in Kiev warned in a statement that “military action by Russia could occur at any time and the US government will not be in a position to evacuate US citizens in such a contingency, so US citizens who are currently in Ukraine should plan accordingly. .”
www.express.co.uk
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism