The European Union has promised to give Ukraine €18 billion next year to keep the country running while it fights Russian troops.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement after the bloc’s 27 leaders met in Brussels.
She said the EU has so far given €19bn, adding: “It is very important for Ukraine to have a predictable and stable flow of income.”
It is estimated Ukraine needs about €3-4bn a month “for the basics” and the EU will finance €1.5bn of this, with the rest to come from other countries and international institutions.
“That will give a total of €18bn for the next year – an amount Ukraine can count on and where there is a stable and reliable, predictable flow of income,” she said.
The bloc is divided over further strengthening sanctions on Russia and Iran over claims that Russia is using Iranian-made drones in its war.
Poland and the three Baltic states suggested banning Russian diamond imports and phasing out steel trade more quickly, but Belgium and Italy are among those opposed.
Hungary is against any sanctions on Russia, while Germany and France have said current measures already go far.