FM Sybiha urges partners to strengthen protection of Ukraine’s grain exports after massive Russian attack
Following Russia’s massive overnight attack, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on Ukraine’s partners to strengthen protection for Ukrainian grain exports and civilian shipping in the Black Sea.
Several EU nations are urging the European Commission to revive a stalled proposal for a "reparations loan" financed by frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's escalating war budget. Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, and Poland are among the countries advocating for the plan's restart, according to the Financial Times. The original proposal, which faced opposition from Belgium, aimed to use the €210 billion in frozen assets held in Brussels-based Euroclear for Ukraine's financial needs.
However, little progress has been made since the plan was halted in December. Ukraine's Defense Ministry now faces a €23.1 billion funding gap, requiring immediate assistance. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard believes the timing is opportune to consider utilizing the frozen assets for Ukraine's defense and Europe's security.
Despite the challenges, Brussels remains hesitant, citing potential risks and the need to maintain the current financing agreement.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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