"Let Russia pay, not us": Ukrainians' response to EU financial aid
The Ukrainian Foundation in the Netherlands welcomed the European Union's decision to provide financial support of 90 billion euros to Ukraine, but spokesperson Alexander Tomashuk criticized this step, describing it as unfair because European citizens bear the cost of the damages caused by Russia.
EU leaders agreed on the joint loan during a meeting in Brussels, initially planning to use frozen Russian assets as a source of funding, but the countries could not reach a consensus, leaving the financial responsibility on European taxpayers, with Ukraine to repay the loan only if it receives compensation from Russia.
According to Tomashuk, funding is urgently needed not only to support the army but also to protect schools, hospitals, and vital infrastructure away from the front lines. He emphasized that the country must remain resilient despite airstrikes and widespread destruction.
Tomashuk pointed out that financial aid may not be sufficient to reclaim the occupied territories, but it can prevent further Russian advances and create conditions for serious diplomatic negotiations. He emphasized that exerting pressure on Russia is essential to achieve any progress in the conflict.
The institution called on the European Union to reconsider its reliance on European funds and to target frozen Russian assets after the sanctions, considering it unfair to burden citizens of other countries with the cost of a war they did not cause.