Praising European Union Aid Agreement for Ukraine, President Zelensky Waits for United States Decision

JAKARTA - Ukraine praised the European Union's approval of a major aid package on Thursday, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying the support was a "clear signal" to both Russia and the United States.

His administration said the deal was "critically important" for Ukraine's stability ahead of the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion this month.

"This is a clear signal to Moscow that Europe will stand firm and cannot be broken by any destructive wave designed by the Kremlin," said President Zelensky in his evening video speech, reported by Reuters, February 2.

"At the same time, this is a clear signal across the Atlantic, a signal that Europe is shouldering its responsibilities. Security responsibilities. Strong responsibilities. We are waiting for a decision from America," he said.

Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko told Reuters the government expects this year to receive 18 billion euros of the European Union's 50 billion euro four-year package approved on Thursday. The first tranche of 4.5 billion euros is expected to occur in March.

"It is very important for us to maintain macroeconomic stability. This is a prerequisite for economic growth," said Svyrydenko, who is also Minister of Economy.

"Partner assistance is very important to maintain this stability," he stressed.

He added that he really hopes that Uncle Sam's country will follow the European Union's steps.

It is known that Ukraine relies on financial support from its Western allies to finance its pension funds, public sector salaries and social and humanitarian spending with Western money.

Since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, Kyiv has received approximately 73.6 billion US dollars in international financial assistance, including 27.5 billion US dollars from the European Union.