Ukraine has received another financial support from the European Union as part of a joint initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s economic stability amid the war
On April 9, the European Commission officially transferred one billion euros to Ukraine as the fourth tranche of macro-financial assistance, which is part of a broader support program implemented within the G7 global initiative "Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration" (ERA). This aid is funded through the proceeds from frozen Russian assets within the EU. This is indeed a symbolic event: the payment coincided with Victory and Remembrance Day over Nazism in World War II, adding special historical significance to these events. Since the program’s inception, the EU has provided Ukraine with over 18 billion euros in macro-financial aid, and this amount is expected to increase to approximately 45 billion euros in the future. It is important to emphasize that all these funds are loan resources that the Ukrainian authorities are obliged to repay, utilizing the profits from the assets of Russia that have been frozen in EU countries. This reflects the EU’s strategic approach to strengthening economic support for Ukraine while simultaneously combating the financial resources of Russian aggression. Overall, with the latest payment, Ukraine’s funding from the EU under this program has approached nearly 6 billion euros in 2025. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that the received funds will be directed towards financing the most urgent budget needs and strengthening the state despite the devastating consequences of the war. In his statement, he emphasized: "This tranche is part of a fair and consistent approach: the aggressor must pay for the destruction he has brought to our land. We look forward to further steps—full confiscation of assets and strengthening sanctions in response to Russia’s war crimes." The European Commission also expressed readiness, if necessary, to make advance payments within the EU’s contribution to the ERA initiative to support Ukraine more swiftly during this difficult time. It is worth recalling that in 2024, the G7 agreed to provide Ukraine with loans up to $50 billion, structured as credits, but to be repaid precisely from the income generated by the frozen Russian assets in member states. A significant milestone has also been the financial assistance from the United States: at the end of last year, Ukraine received the first tranche of $20 billion out of the planned $50 billion, while in January 2025, the EU transferred the first 3 billion euros. These tranches have become an important part of the international aid package aimed at stabilizing Ukraine’s economy and sustaining the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the fight against Russian aggression. Thus, receiving 1 billion euros from the EU is not only a financial support but also a political and symbolic step in the context of global backing for Ukraine’s fight for independence and sovereignty. It demonstrates the European Union’s determination to continue assisting Kyiv using proceeds from frozen Russian assets and to stand firmly by the Ukrainian people in this complex, yet crucial confrontation.