Europe unlocks €90bn for Ukraine while Putin sets conditions on election-day strikes - Friday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
The European Union approved €90 billion in interest-free, non-repayable aid for Ukraine over the next two years. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin said Russia may pause deep strikes on election day, but only under strict conditions.
Read more about what happened on Friday, December 19.
EU allocating €90 billion to Ukraine without interest: Details revealed
The European Union has allocated €90 billion to Ukraine for the next two years. This money is non-refundable and interest-free, according to Ukraine's Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko.
According to him, these funds are essentially non-repayable and interest-free for Ukraine. Repayment can only take place after Russia compensates Ukraine for the damage caused by its aggressive war.
Congress moves to tighten screws on Russia with new sanctions bill
US lawmakers are advancing a new bill aimed at strengthening sanctions against Russia, titled "Peace Through Strength," according to the press service of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.
The legislation is described as a comprehensive initiative that transforms ongoing negotiations into decisive congressional action and moves the bill toward consideration by the House of Representatives in January.
Putin 'promises' not to strike deep inside Ukraine on election day — But there’s a catch
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly ready to suspend strikes deep inside Ukraine on election day. However, he has set his own conditions for this, the Kremlin chief said while speaking to journalists.
Putin said that Ukraine considers it necessary for the US to ensure the security of Ukrainians during the elections.
The Russian President boasted that he had held "presidential, municipal, and regional" elections after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and that "no one ensured security" for Russia.
