Part 8/11:
The funds are expected to soften the impact of ongoing hostilities, particularly as Ukraine prepares for its third winter amid ongoing power shortages and infrastructure destruction wrought by relentless Russian strikes. The EU has become more inventive in securing Ukraine aid, seeking to bypass budget constraints by leveraging Russian assets, which have been frozen since sanctions were imposed following the invasion.
Political and Diplomatic Impacts
The loan still awaits approval from the European Parliament, but officials anticipate disbursement by year's end. The United States, which was initially to contribute up to $25 million, had negotiations with the EU break down recently over sanctions risks, leading to the EU's decision to proceed independently.