Ukraine secures EU energy aid and €90 billion financial support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the outcome of his talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stating that the discussions focused on a strategy aimed at significantly strengthening Ukraine’s resilience, with particular emphasis on the energy sector.

The president shared details of the meeting on his Telegram channel.

According to Zelenskyy, the European Commission will assist in repairing Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure, support its broader restoration, and help enhance protection of the country’s power grid ahead of next winter. He described this as one of the key results of the previous day’s discussions, especially as Russia continues targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure with strikes.

Zelenskyy also reported progress toward securing financial guarantees for Ukraine covering a two-year period. Earlier, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola signed a legislative package approving a €90 billion loan designed to support Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader additionally expressed special gratitude to the G7 countries for their firm backing, stressing that a dignified and lasting peace would be achievable only through coordinated efforts by the US, Europe, the Group of Seven and Ukraine to establish reliable security guarantees alongside a unified reconstruction plan.

His remarks came as February 24, 2026, marked four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine — a conflict widely regarded as one of the most consequential wars in Europe since World War II.

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces entered Ukraine from multiple directions, including Belarus, Russia and Crimea, following months of military buildup. Moscow described the campaign as a “special military operation,” while Kyiv and Western governments condemned it as an unprovoked invasion.

Russia initially sought a rapid advance toward Kyiv but failed to capture the capital. Ukrainian forces later pushed Russian troops out of northern regions in 2022, after which the fighting shifted primarily to eastern and southern parts of the country. The war subsequently evolved into a prolonged, high-intensity conflict marked by trench warfare, extensive artillery battles, drone operations and repeated missile strikes on infrastructure.

The conflict has caused widespread destruction across Ukrainian cities, displaced millions of civilians both internally and abroad, and resulted in heavy military and civilian casualties. Ukraine’s economy has relied heavily on Western financial and military assistance, while Russia has faced sweeping international sanctions.

The war has also reshaped global security dynamics, prompting NATO expansion, increased Western military support for Kyiv and a sharp deterioration in relations between Russia and Western countries. Multiple diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire have so far failed to deliver a breakthrough.

By early 2026, front lines remain largely static, with neither side securing a decisive advantage. The war continues to influence global energy markets, defence strategies and geopolitical alignments, as Ukraine and its partners mark the anniversary amid ongoing hostilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova