EU citizens need more clarity on €122 billion aid to Ukraine, top diplomat says

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, currently visiting Kyiv, has stated that European citizens need to be better informed about the necessity of providing substantial financial assistance to Ukraine.

Borrell acknowledged that not everyone in Europe fully understands why €122 billion has been allocated to Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"Not everyone in Europe understands why we should spend €122 billion on Ukraine. You know, €122 billion is a lot of money! Not all European citizens, who also have their own needs, understand this," Borrell said during a press conference in Kyiv.

Borrell confirmed that the EU has already provided €122 billion in aid to Ukraine, which accounts for around 50 per cent of the total international support. He reiterated the EU’s commitment to continue assisting Ukraine, announcing plans to increase the number of EU-trained soldiers in Ukraine from 60,000 to 75,000 by the end of the year.

Additionally, the foreign policy chief confirmed that the EU would adopt a 15th package of sanctions against Russia in the near future.

Borrell, who is set to resign on December 1, will be succeeded by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as the new head of EU diplomacy.

By Vafa Guliyeva