Ukraine Fights for Financial Autonomy in $163 Billion Reparations Loan

Ukraine is lobbying European countries to allow it flexibility in using a proposed $163 billion loan sourced from frozen Russian assets. Kyiv seeks autonomy to purchase arms globally and rebuild critical infrastructure, amid EU debates over spending constraints favoring European-made defense systems.

Ukraine is pushing back against European countries' suggestions to restrict its use of a proposed $163 billion loan derived from frozen Russian state assets. The Ukrainian government insists on the freedom to purchase non-European arms, repair war-torn infrastructure, and compensate victims of Russian aggression.

As EU leaders prepare to discuss the "Reparations Loan" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in attendance, divisions have emerged. Several member states favor directing funds towards European-made weapons to strengthen their defense industries, citing escalating threats from Russia.

However, Ukraine maintains that any restrictions undermine justice principles, advocating for autonomy in spending to address immediate defense and recovery needs. European meetings aim to mediate these differences amid legal and technical challenges tied to the proposal.

(With inputs from agencies.)