(Finance) – In the aftermath of the Kremlin’s announcement on the partial end of the exercises and the return of soldiers to their bases, the EU defense ministers have assessed that the military massing by Russia around Ukraine continues. This is what the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a press conference on the sidelines of the Alliance Defense Ministerial.
“We do not see any signs of de-escalation on the ground, all of this must change. There is a large number of forces ready to attack” he stressed. Stoltenberg.
The Alliance is considering a “long-term” strengthening of the east flank and Italy, represented by Minister Lorenzo Guerini, said it was “ready to do its part” in sending troops for deterrence. “After the words, however, now we need the facts”, summarized the president of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Welcoming the 30 allied defense ministers at headquarters, Stoltenberg did not define Russia’s military threats as an attempt to impose “a new normal” in the east and obtain concessions.
Meanwhile, today the European Parliament approved a Commission proposal to provide Kiev with amacro-financial assistance (MFA) of 1.2 billion euros, an emergency resource for EU neighboring countries that are having difficulty paying their bills. It will be paid in two installments. The loan will support Ukraine’s economic stabilization and a substantial program of reforms, the approved text states. Half of the € 1.2 billion loan can be disbursed immediately to promote stability in Ukraine if certain preconditions are met. The country must show that it has made progress in implementing a macroeconomic program established by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a statement read. MEPs also stress that respect “for effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi-party parliamentary system, and the rule of law, as well as the guarantee of respect for human rights” are further preconditions for delivery. The resolution, adopted with the urgent procedure, passed with 598 votes in favor, 55 against and one abstention. Ukraine’s access to foreign capital has been severely restricted due to the military threat from Russia and the worsening economic situation following the Covid-19 pandemic.