Zelensky: We are interested in Russia giving us money as reparations
Ukraine is interested in Russia giving it money, and that this money be in the form of reparations.
This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky in response to questions from journalists, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
"First and foremost, we are interested in Russia giving us money, and that this money be in the form of reparations. The Americans call it compensation rather than reparations because, I think, they don't really like the word reparations... But it is important for us to get the money to rebuild our country," he said.
Zelensky noted that the issue of funds for Ukraine's recovery has already been resolved with the Europeans, as most of the frozen assets are located there. “I am glad that they supported our position. We will receive the first 100 billion in equal tranches over the next two years. If there is no war, and God forbid there be no war. We will spend this money on rebuilding our state. If we have to defend ourselves, we will have the means to buy this defense,” he stressed.
As reported, the European Union has agreed to grant Ukraine a loan of EUR 90 billion for the next two years instead of a reparations loan, which was to amount to EUR 130 billion.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova highly appreciated the European Council's decision to grant Ukraine a loan of EUR 90 billion through joint borrowing, which will help Ukraine maintain financial stability over the next two years.