Ukraine has received a significant financial boost in its ongoing recovery efforts, with the European Union delivering nearly €4.2 billion as part of the first payment under the Ukraine Facility. This financial plan, which came into effect on March 1, 2024, is designed to aid Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and modernization in the face of ongoing aggression from Russia. Over the next four years, the EU will provide up to €50 billion in grants and loans to support these efforts.
The €4.2 billion payment marks a crucial step in Ukraine's efforts to rebuild infrastructure, stabilize its economy, and support its population amid the devastation caused by the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the EU's support, emphasizing the importance of international aid in Ukraine's struggle against Russian forces.
The announcement of the EU's financial support comes at a time when tensions remain high on the battlefield. For the first time, President Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged a Ukrainian military operation within Russian territory, specifically in the Kursk region. Zelenskyy stated that the operation was intended to disrupt Russian shelling on Ukrainian territory, asserting that "It is only fair to destroy Russian terrorists where they are, where they launch their strikes from." He added that such tactics are crucial for advancing peace efforts and emphasized that "Russia must be forced into peace."
While the European Union has reiterated its support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself, it has clarified that it is not involved in Ukraine's military actions within Russia. EU Commission spokesperson Nabila Massrali stated, "The EU is not involved and not commenting on the operational developments on the front line," while reaffirming the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On the other side, Russia claimed on Tuesday that its military forces successfully halted a Ukrainian attempt to expand its incursion into the Kursk region. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, Ukrainian armored units were stopped near several settlements, including Obshchy Kolodez and Snagost, as Russian forces deployed fresh reserves, aircraft, and artillery to repel the attack.
Despite the ongoing hostilities, Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi, have made it clear that Ukraine's cross-border operations are not aimed at occupying Russian territory but are rather defensive measures to protect Ukrainian land from long-range strikes. "Ukraine is not interested in taking the territory of the Kursk region, but we want to protect the lives of our people," Tykhyi explained.
As the conflict continues, the financial and military developments highlight the complexities of the ongoing war and the international community's efforts to support Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty.
Source: Euronews
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