The issue of reparations from Russia is important not only from a financial, but also from a moral and legal point of view, since it must answer for the outbreak of the war against Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with Polish media,  Censor.NET reports .

Russia must pay reparations

Zelensky noted that the EU’s decision to provide a loan of 90 billion for two years gives Ukraine additional opportunities. He added that Russia was counting on Ukraine’s financial weakness.

“Of course, thanks to this, we have some additional cards. It is very important that Russia bears responsibility for the resolution of this war. All this money is somehow connected with the issue of reparations. We are convinced that Russia must be punished for all the evil that it brought to our land. This is very important to me,” he stressed.

Use of funds

“Of course, €90 billion for two years is already €45 billion per year. This is not yet €210 billion [the total amount of frozen Russian assets in the EU, — ed.], but this is a step forward, and we will do everything to end this war so that we can use these funds to rebuild our country,” the head of state noted.

However, if it is not possible to end the war, this money will go to support Ukrainian soldiers in combat, Zelensky added.

What preceded it?

• It was reported the day before that the leaders of the European Union countries on Thursday, December 18, were unable to reach an agreement on the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.
• According to DW, Belgium, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, Bulgaria, Malta and the Czech Republic spoke out against the proposed mechanism.
• Subsequently, the EU decided to provide Ukraine with 90 billion euros in 2026–2027 to support the country’s economy, defense, and stability.

Author:  Valeria Sushkova Джерело: https://censor.net/ua/n3591480

(c)CENSOR.NET 2025