Zelenskyy calls EU reparations loan "gamechanger" for Ukraine’s security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has underlined the critical importance of the anticipated European Union reparations loan, financed through frozen Russian assets, for Ukraine’s economic and security stability.

Zelenskyy stressed that the funding is essential both in the context of ongoing conflict and in the event of a temporary pause in hostilities, warning that without it, key national needs would face significant shortfalls, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

The president highlighted that the mobilization of Russian assets could generate between $150 billion and more than $210 billion, describing it as a “gamechanger” for Ukraine’s financial and defence resilience. He explained that, should the aggression persist, these resources would be allocated to strengthen the military, air defence systems, critical infrastructure, and the energy sector. Conversely, in a pause in hostilities, the funds would support reconstruction efforts and contribute to macrofinancial stability.

Zelenskyy also noted that, if the European Union is unable to approve the reparations loan, Ukraine would be compelled to seek alternative mechanisms to secure equivalent financing.

A formal decision regarding the utilization of Russian assets for the loan is anticipated at the upcoming EU summit on December 18–19, highlighting the urgency and strategic significance of the proposal for Kyiv.

By Vafa Guliyeva