Ukraine war live: Zelenskyy expresses gratitude for EU’s €90bn loan agreement, stating it “truly strengthens our resilience”
Opening summary: Welcome to our live updates on the most recent events in the Ukraine conflict. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed appreciation to European Union leaders following their decision to extend a €90bn ($105bn) loan to help Ukraine with its upcoming budget deficits. “This is considerable support that genuinely fortifies our resilience,” noted the Ukrainian president in a post on X this Friday. The EU leaders reached this consensus during summit discussions in Brussels but could not agree on utilizing frozen Russian assets to fund the loan. Zelenskyy remarked, “It’s vital that Russian assets stay immobilized and that Ukraine receives a financial security guarantee for the upcoming years. Thank you for this outcome and for your unity. Together, we are safeguarding the future of our continent.” The agreement was finalized after EU leaders determined to offer an interest-free loan over the next two years, supported by the bloc’s collective budget, providing Kyiv crucial assistance while Donald Trump advocates for a swift resolution to end Russia’s near-four-year conflict in Ukraine. “Today’s decision equips Ukraine with the essential resources to defend itself and to aid the Ukrainian populace,” stated Antonio Costa, head of the European Council, who presided over the summit. Meanwhile, US and Russian negotiators are set to engage in new discussions on Ukraine in Miami this weekend, with Trump urging Kyiv to act “promptly” towards achieving a peace arrangement. In key developments:
The prominent proposal at the EU gathering had been to utilize approximately €200bn of Russian central bank assets frozen within the EU to create a loan for Kyiv, but this initiative fell through after Belgium—home to most of these assets—insisted on liability-sharing guarantees that were deemed excessive by other nations. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed at the summit’s conclusion that he was convinced “rationality has prevailed.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had strongly advocated for the usage of Russia’s frozen assets but still conveyed that the ultimate decision regarding the EU-backed loan “sends a clear message” to Vladimir Putin. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that Ukraine would only need to repay the loan after Russia compensated for the damages it inflicted.
Merz and von der Leyen at the EU summit in Brussels. Photograph: ANP/Shutterstock
Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, consented to not obstruct the loan directed towards Ukraine for its military and economic requirements over the next two years, as long as Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic were exempt from the debt guarantees. According to the agreement’s text, the deal would not impact the financial obligations of those three nations, which were unwilling to contribute to Ukraine’s financing.
Zelenskyy had urged EU leaders at the summit’s commencement to utilize the frozen Russian assets, asserting, “It’s moral, it’s fair, it’s legal.” The EU assesses that Ukraine requires an additional €135bn to remain operational in the next two years.
In Washington, Donald Trump called on Ukraine to act swiftly regarding a peace arrangement ahead of anticipated talks in Miami this weekend. The US president informed reporters in the Oval Office: “Well, they’re nearing an agreement, but I hope Ukraine acts quickly. I hope Ukraine acts quickly because Russia is present. And every time they take too long, then Russia shifts its position.” Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are scheduled to meet with Russian representatives in Florida, a White House official stated, after discussions with a Ukrainian delegation in Berlin last Sunday and Monday. With agencies.
Share Updated at 07.31 GMT
Published: 2025-12-19 09:37:00
source: www.theguardian.com
