EU's Funding Decision Reflects 'Need for Anti-Russian Sentiment in Ukraine,' Says Zakharova

The European Council's decision to continue financing Ukraine confirms that "EU's anti-Russian sentiment does not allow for peace in Ukraine," stated Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Zakharova referred to the European Council's assertion of its alleged "right" to reimburse Kyiv for Russian assets as a form of legal nihilism. Earlier reports indicated that EU leaders had agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan over the next two years, according to the Financial Times.

The loan will be secured from unused funds of the EU's general budget rather than from blocked Russian assets in Europe. According to participants of the Brussels summit, Ukraine will be obligated to repay the loan after receiving compensation payments from Russia.