The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Chief, Josep Borrell has arrived in Kyiv on a trip to underline the EU’s “unwavering support” to Ukraine as the war nears its third year.
The visit, which was Borrell’s fourth to Ukraine, came as the country is struggling to hold ground in the nearly two-year conflict as billions of dollars in previous foreign aid dried up in recent weeks.
“Here to discuss with our Ukrainian friends the EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine – on military side, on the financial side with the new Ukraine facility, as well as on the EU reform path,” Borrell said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen noted that the decision by the EU to make up to 50 billion euros ($54bn) in grants and highly concessional loans available to Ukraine as part of the “Ukraine Facility” was a “major step forward.”
“Europe is true to its word,” von der Leyen said on X.
She added, “We will continue to deliver much-needed funding and predictability for our brave partner and aspiring member.”
She disclosed that the EU aims to start payments in March.
The Ukraine Facility was proposed by von der Leyen in June 2023 as part of a broader financial framework that includes new funding for the EU’s current and most pressing priorities.
Separately, von der Leyen said in an address that the war is an example of people fighting for a cause they believed in, noting that Europe shares a common goal with Ukraine’s quest for self-determination.
She also said Putin severely underestimated the Ukrainian people’s desire for freedom and their remarkable resilience that has enabled the country to withstand a formidable invasion for 24 months.
Moreover, she underscored the importance of international support for Ukraine, while praising the unity of the EU and NATO in standing with Ukraine, as well as ongoing support for its defense and reconstruction.
Additionally, European Council President Charles Michel noted in a post on X that support for Ukraine is “not charity” but a “moral duty.”
He called it an investment “in our security and peaceful future.”
“We owe it to the generations to come, for our children and grandchildren. Just as those that came before us had the vision and responsibility to build this project based on values,” he said.
IAEA Chief Visits Kyiv
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi met Ukrainian Energy Minister. German Galushchenko in Kyiv.
Grossi said on social media platform X that he also held discussions with other Ukrainian energy sector officials.
His visit to Kyiv came ahead of his visit to the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on Wednesday, February 6, 2024.
Grossi told a news agency that his visit would also aim to assess the impact of recent personnel reductions after Russia denied access to employees of Ukraine’s Energoatom.
The UN nuclear watchdog chief said of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, “This huge facility used to have around 12,000 staff. Now, this has been reduced to between 2,000 and 3,000, which is quite a steep reduction in the number of people working there.”
Grossi added, “So far the situation is stable, but it is a very, very delicate equilibrium.”
The staff working at the plant now formerly worked for Energoatom, Ukraine’s state enterprise.
Some adopted Russian citizenship and signed new contracts with Russia’s operator at the site, while others fled.
Many did not want to remain in occupied territory and those who decided to remain did not want to work for Russia.
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