Zelensky: EU to activate aid mechanism for Ukraine's critical needs

Head of state Volodymyr Zelensky informed about reaching an agreement with the leadership of the European Union on the application of a special instrument to finance the country's urgent needs. This arrangement was made following consultations with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Funding critical infrastructure

According to the President, Russian attacks have created a difficult situation with the supply of electricity, water and heating in many cities and communities in Ukraine. The most critical state was noted in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy regions, as well as Donetsk region and Kherson.

«Зараз у багатьох наших містах і громадах склалася дуже складна ситуація з постачанням електрики, води та тепла через російські удари. Найважче – у Києві, у Дніпропетровській, Сумській областях, Донецькій області та в Херсоні. Я розповів Урсулі про проблеми, і ми домовилися, що Євросоюз застосує спеціальний механізм допомоги в надзвичайних ситуаціях. Це дозволить оперативно надати Україні кошти на те, що зараз потрібно найбільше. Команди вже працюють над цим» (Currently, a very difficult situation has arisen with the supply of electricity, water and heating in many of our cities and communities due to Russian strikes. It is hardest in Kyiv, in Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy and Donetsk regions, and in Kherson. I told Ursula about the problems, and we agreed that the European Union will apply a special emergency aid mechanism. This will allow Ukraine to be promptly provided with funds for what is most needed right now. Teams are already working on this), – emphasised Volodymyr Zelensky.

Winter preparation and European integration

During the conversation, the parties also discussed the issue of providing additional energy and humanitarian support to ensure the stable operation of infrastructure during the winter period. They separately addressed the topic of Ukraine's path towards European integration.

The President recalled that this week the European Commission published its annual EU Enlargement Report, which positively assessed the progress achieved by Ukraine.

«Важливо відкрити всі кластери і почати закривати розділи» (It is important to open all clusters and start closing chapters), – emphasised the head of state.

In addition, Volodymyr Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen coordinated their positions regarding the upcoming meeting in Abu Dhabi.