EU to disburse 5bn euro in economic and military aid to Kyiv

Ukraine expects to receive 5 billion euros ($4.98 billion) in macro-financial aid from the European Union this coming week to support the economy and army, and to prepare for the looming winter, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Sunday.

“This will help to ensure the stability of our economy, support of the army and the … heating season”, Shmyhal said in a statement on Telegram ahead of talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is sapping the country’s resources and Kyiv has repeatedly sought financial aid from the EU, the United States and international lenders.

Shmyhal, who arrived in Berlin late on Saturday is expected to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other officials.

Germany is expected to supply sophisticated air defence systems to Ukraine this autumn, Shmyhal said in his statement.

The new aid package comes as Europe’s energy crisis deepens.

The indefinite delay to restarting Nord Stream 1, which runs under the Baltic Sea to supply Germany and others, deepens Europe’s problems securing fuel for winter as energy prices lead a surge in living costs for Europeans.