Mar 11 • 09:07 UTC 🇷🇺 Russia RT

EU members could loan billions directly to Kiev – Politico

EU nations are contemplating providing up to €30 billion in loans directly to Ukraine amidst tensions caused by Hungary and Slovakia's objections to a joint EU loan.

A report by Politico indicates that European Union member states are considering lending Ukraine as much as €30 billion ($35 billion) individually, as Ukraine faces severe financial constraints. This potential financial aid is being discussed against the backdrop of Hungary and Slovakia's decision to block a collective €90 billion loan from the EU, demanding that Ukraine resume oil supplies from Russia. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukraine of engineering an energy crisis to undermine his government ahead of upcoming elections, further complicating the situation.

The situation is marked by accusations from Hungary against Ukraine, with claims that the freeze on joint EU funding is a retaliatory measure against what Hungary views as an attempt by Ukraine to influence its political landscape. The Slovak Prime Minister has also signaled a firm stance, indicating that his government will not support the joint EU loan even with a potential change in political leadership, highlighting a firm opposition to financial aid from the EU as long as certain conditions remain unmet.

In response to this crisis, Baltic and Nordic nations are actively exploring the possibility of providing Ukraine with bilateral loans, which could total around €30 billion. This financial assistance aims to prevent Ukraine from facing bankruptcy during a critical period, particularly as it navigates ongoing economic challenges and the geopolitical ramifications of its conflict with Russia. Thus, the financial landscape for Ukraine remains precarious, with individual member states now discussing alternative funding strategies amidst internal EU disputes.

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