European Commission proposes up to EUR 9B in more aid to Ukraine

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this after a meeting of the European Commission, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We are proposing for Ukraine to top up the significant short-term aid that we've provided until now with a new exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine of up to EUR 9 billion in 2022. This for the short term, for the relief right now, to support the government, [to provide] budget support," she said.

She recalled that the war that Russia started against Ukraine is the driver for the EU to strengthen its resilience.

"We know that Ukraine is on the front line, defending our European values. We will continue to be by their side throughout this war and when they rebuild their country. […] Of course, we need to think about the day after and the wider reconstruction efforts. And here the European Union has a responsibility and the European Union has a strategic interest in leading this reconstruction effort," von der Leyen said.