EU Commits to Fund Ukraine for Next 2 Years; Deadlocks on Using Frozen Russian Funds

European Union leaders have pledged to guarantee financial assistance for Ukraine for the next two years, vowing to keep supporting the war-torn country’s budget and defence needs as Russia’s full-scale invasion continues into its fourth year. At a summit in Brussels on Thursday, EU heads of state agreed in principle to maintain “regular and predictable financial support” for Kyiv through 2026 and 2027.

The plan aims to ensure that Ukraine’s government can continue operating and defending itself as the conflict drags on. The EU is now working on legal and technical mechanisms to channel the funds, which will include both budgetary support and military aid such as air defence systems, ammunition, and equipment.

However, EU leaders failed to reach a final agreement on how to use frozen Russian state assets estimated at around €140 billion to help finance Ukraine’s recovery and defence. Belgium, where many of the assets are held, raised legal concerns about liability and the potential impact on the euro’s stability.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the EU’s decision, saying it demonstrated Europe’s continued leadership and resolve. “Predictable and long-term support is exactly what Ukraine needs to protect freedom in Europe,” he said in a social media post.

The pledge comes amid intensifying Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and a renewed push by Western allies to boost Kyiv’s air defences ahead of winter. Despite Hungary’s ongoing reservations about aspects of EU assistance to Ukraine, the bloc reaffirmed that its collective support would continue “for as long as it takes”. (Agencies)