Some EU member states are ready to increase their financial assistance to Ukraine, Lithuanian Finance Minister Gintare Skaiste has said after a meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels.
Ukraine is estimated to need more than 40 billion euros in aid this year to maintain schools, hospitals and other essential services. The EU plans to provide 18 billion euros, but more will likely be needed, as Russia continues to destroy Ukraine’s cities and infrastructure, Skaiste said.
“The 40 billion euros a year are the minimum needs that were calculated just before Russia’s intense bombings. It is very likely that more funds will be needed over the upcoming years. This is what we discussed today, and some member states voiced their commitment to provide more funds, if needed,” the finance minister said.
“Naturally, this requires further discussions, and they are starting now, because that figure will probably need some upward adjustment over the course of the year,” she added.
On January 17, the European Commission briefed ministers on the EU and Ukraine’s economic and financial situation and provided the latest information on the implementation of the aid package for Ukraine as the EU is set to provide 18 billion euros in assistance to Ukraine this year. (LRT/Business World Magazine)
