Russia pays for the war. Profits from frozen assets will benefit the Ukrainian budget

On Tuesday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the transfer of EUR 80 million to Ukraine from profits from frozen Russian assets. She announced this decision after an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kiev.

– Today I am pleased to announce that we are transferring an additional EUR 80 million to Ukraine, obtained from profits from frozen Russian assets, she said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

Kallas commented, among others: on the 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia, which is blocked by Hungary and Slovakia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also blocked an EU loan for Ukraine in the amount of EUR 90 billion for 2026 and 2027.

To end this war, we must oppose Moscow, not reward it. Don't weaken the sanctions, but intensify them. The 20th package of sanctions is ready to be introduced and we will tighten the net even more, especially against the Russian shadow fleet, she announced.

When will Ukraine join the EU? Kallas avoids the date

The head of EU diplomacy was also asked about possible dates for Ukraine's admission to the European Union. The authorities in Kiev believe that this could happen as early as 2027.

– It is understandable that enlargement is always a geopolitical decision. Previous expansions have also always had a geopolitical nature. But at the same time, these are also reforms that should be introduced by countries joining the EU, she emphasized.

– That's why it's important for Ukraine to do its job, but it's also important for us to do our job. Therefore, I cannot specify a specific datehowever (…) my wish is for Ukraine to join the European Union soon, she declared.

The heads of diplomacy of EU countries, including Radosław Sikorski, participated in an informal meeting of foreign ministers of EU countries on Tuesday in Kiev. It was dedicated to the fourth anniversary of Russian war crimes in Bucha.

This town near Kiev was occupied by Russian troops for 33 days. They occupied Bucza from February 27 to March 31, 2022. During this time, 561 civilians died, including 12 children.

From Kiev Jarosław Junko (PAP)

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