The United States has decided to transfer $20 billion to Ukraine as part of a loan that will be repaid from the proceeds of Russian assets frozen in the West.
This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his evening address.
‘There is now important news from the United States: America has decided to provide $20 billion. These are funds secured by frozen Russian assets,’ Zelenskyy said.
The President emphasised that the funds were part of the G7's decision to provide $50 billion to Ukraine. This is necessary for the protection and resilience of Ukraine.
‘This is what will really support us. And it is important to implement it this year. I thank the United States, I thank the entire G7,’ the President added.
The Head of State also held a meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to discuss current issues and some urgent decisions to be made.
The President added that ‘today I met with representatives of Ukrainian civil society. There were a lot of organisations involved in foreign policy, defence development, human rights, and freedom protection. In particular, there was Maksym Butkevych, a Ukrainian human rights activist and warrior whom we recently managed to free from Russian captivity.’
‘We discussed in detail the Victory Plan and our need to unite - to bring justice to Ukraine together, to bring peace closer and to talk to our partners about everything that can make Ukraine stronger. We count on unity in promoting the decision of our partners to invite Ukraine to NATO. And also in the development of our defence system. We need to be more active in calling on our partners to be decisive in defence cooperation,’ the President added.