Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the delay in the European Union’s provision of a €90 billion loan poses serious risks for Ukraine’s preparation for the winter period. He made this statement during a joint press conference with the acting Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Andrey Gyurov.
This is reported by Finway
Winter Preparation at Risk Due to Financial Difficulties
According to Zelensky, while Ukraine currently has funds for paying salaries, financing the army, and pensions, the most pressing issue concerns preparations for the winter season. He highlighted that there is a comprehensive plan to protect energy infrastructure and water supply, as well as to strengthen air defense systems. The total budget for this plan amounts to $5.1 billion, and the majority of this sum was expected to be financed through the EU loan.
“The greatest risks are related to winter preparation. Because there is a global plan to protect energy and water supply. A plan aimed at completing at least physical protection and various air defense formats by the end of winter. The total amount is $5.1 billion,” he said, adding that Kyiv expected that a larger portion of this sum would be covered by the EU loan.
EU Position and Future Prospects
The President stressed that the delay of the first tranche of the loan directly affects the ability to start necessary work as early as April, as planned. Zelensky noted that Ukrainian authorities are currently seeking additional financial sources to implement protective measures ahead of winter while European leaders are deciding on the allocation of the first part of the €45 billion aid package.
At the EU summit on March 19, no final decision was made regarding the multi-billion loan for Ukraine. The reason was the position of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who blocked the allocation of funds and insisted on the resumption of Russian oil transportation through the Druzhba pipeline until a decision is made. However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the EU will uphold its commitments to Ukraine regardless of the circumstances.