Brussels: The European Commission announced Wednesday that it has disbursed the ninth tranche of the “exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan” program, worth EUR four billion (USD 4.7 billion), strengthening the European Union (EU)’s role as the largest donor since the start of the Russian war on Ukraine.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Commission explained in a statement that the total financial support from the EU to Ukraine has increased to approximately EUR 178 billion (USD 209 billion). The EU’s contribution to Ukraine’s exceptional MFA loan program amounted to EUR 18.1 billion (USD 21.25 billion), which brings its total support under the program to EUR 14 billion (USD 13.43 billion) since the beginning of 2025.
The statement also noted that the disbursement of the additional funds to Ukraine is part of the EU’s contribution to the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration initiative led by the G7. This initiative aims to provide approximately EUR 45 billion (USD 52 billion) in financial support to Ukraine.
The EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine was reiterated following Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement in her recent State of the Union address. She declared a provision of EUR six billion (USD seven billion) as part of the Union’s contribution to the Ukraine Recovery Initiative.
The decision aligns with the call from European leaders during the extraordinary European summit last March to accelerate funding for Ukraine. The financing process is currently underway, aiming to help Ukraine meet its growing financial needs.
The statement highlighted that EUR one billion (USD 2.35 billion) of the amount will be allocated for drones as part of a joint agreement between the EU and Ukraine. This support will aid Ukraine, particularly in the defense sector.
Furthermore, the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration initiative from the G7 partners, alongside the exceptional MFA loan from the EU, is being financed from the proceeds of frozen Russian government assets within the EU.