Biden approves $ 20 billion Ukraine loan backed by frozen Russian assets

This is part of a $50 billion Western loan package for Ukraine secured by revenue from frozen Russian money.

Oct 23, 2024 - 20:00
Biden approves $ 20 billion Ukraine loan backed by frozen Russian assets

US President Joe Biden has finalized a $20 billion loan package for Ukraine, secured against revenue from Russian sovereign assets frozen in US jurisdiction.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Western nations froze approximately $300 billion in Russian Central Bank reserves. While proposals to confiscate these funds for Ukraine’s reconstruction were frequent, Western countries refrained from taking such action.

“Ukraine can receive the assistance it needs now without burdening taxpayers. These loans will support the people of Ukraine as they defend and rebuild their country. And our efforts make it clear: tyrants will be responsible for the damages they cause,” Biden stated.

After extensive negotiations between the US, UK, and EU, officials devised a mechanism to provide Ukraine with $50 billion in loans, backed by income from frozen Russian assets. Ukraine will use this income to service international loans.

The European Parliament approved its portion of €35 billion on Wednesday, to be provided through 2025. Their statement confirmed Ukraine’s discretion in using the income from frozen Russian assets beyond debt servicing alone. The UK announced similar loan terms the previous day.

Read more:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. 

We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.

A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.

Become a Patron!