Ukraine Minister Urges Crucial €50B EU Aid
Olha Stefanishyna informed DW that the EU aid signifies European support for all Ukrainians. However, she expressed concern about the awaited support from the United States.
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| Stefanishyna hailed the EU's fresh aid package, but acknowledged Kyiv was 'anxious' regarding the US © Helmut Fohringer/APA/AFP/Getty Images |
Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, described the European Union's approval of a €50 billion (approximately $55 billion) aid package for Ukraine as a "crucial decision." In a Friday interview with DW, she emphasized that the aid not only supports those directly involved in the war but also provides assistance to citizens enduring its impact.
Stefanishyna highlighted the broader message conveyed by the aid, stating, "First and foremost, it's a message to all Ukrainian people, including medical workers, social workers, and teachers, assuring them of their necessary payments. It also serves as a signal to Ukrainian society that it will endure the challenges over the next four years."
EU deal passed despite Hungary opposition
The sanctioned fund is slated to be disbursed to Kyiv over the next four years, overcoming the resistance led by Hungary, notably championed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Achieving unanimous approval from the heads of state or government of all EU member countries was essential for funding Ukraine through the EU's main budget, in line with Brussels' preference.
To address Hungary's concerns, EU leaders reached a compromise by agreeing to an optional review in two years "if needed." Despite these negotiations, Olha Stefanishyna rejected the idea that support for Ukraine within the EU was diminishing. She pointed out a notable detail from the Thursday summit, highlighting Prime Minister Orban's choice of a "tie of peace," symbolized by the green color. Stefanishyna interpreted this as a sign that a transformative process had begun, expressing optimism that despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine's resilience would ultimately contribute to a stronger union.
How does Kyiv feel about the US stalemate?
Nevertheless, Stefanishyna acknowledged that the EU aid package fell short, expressing concerns about the situation with another significant ally, Washington.
A hurdle has emerged in the form of the US Congress blocking aid to Ukraine, as Republicans seek to link it with immigration law reforms. The potential complication increases with the likelihood of former President Donald Trump running in the upcoming US presidential election and potentially securing reelection.
Stefanishyna praised NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's recent visit to the US and looked forward to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's anticipated visit on February 9. She emphasized the importance of these gestures of solidarity, underscoring that while Europe demonstrates strength in its security stance, the role of the US remains crucial at this juncture.
Ukraine's EU, NATO membership 'on track'
Stefanishyna emphasized that Ukraine is confidently progressing toward its EU and NATO membership goals.
"On the EU front, the path is clear," she affirmed. "All decisions and commitments have been made, and Ukraine is in the process with an administration fully capable of fulfilling those obligations."
Highlighting the EU's agreement in December to initiate membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova, Stefanishyna also underscored Ukraine's ongoing journey to become a NATO member, emphasizing its importance to the allies.
Regarding the situation at the frontlines with Russia, the minister played down the notion of a stalemate, stating, "You cannot declare the front as stagnant. Ukraine is engaged in a dynamic war where we are testing new technologies, indicating that the front does not resemble the static nature seen in World War II."
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