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Ukraine to get €90B EU loan, Russia excluded

The European Union has agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion financial support package, marking one of the largest commitments to Kyiv since the Russian invasion began. The decision, reached after intense negotiations among EU leaders, is aimed at helping Ukraine sustain its defence operations and government spending into 2026.

The package, structured as loans rather than grants, was agreed without tapping into frozen Russian state assets. Some EU member states had pushed to use the seized funds, arguing it was a practical source of financing. However, others raised concerns over legal hurdles and potential diplomatic fallout, leading to a compromise that excludes Russian assets.

European leaders described the deal as a critical signal of unity and continued support for Ukraine, but stressed that the implementation and transparency of fund disbursement will be essential. The agreement also reflects differing views among EU countries on fiscal responsibility, risk-sharing, and long-term aid strategies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the EU decision but stressed that speed is crucial. “This support is vital, but timing is everything. Ukraine needs predictable and immediate aid to continue defending its people and economy,” he said. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly highlighted that delays in funding could affect both military operations and essential government services.

The EU loan is expected to provide short-term financial stability while negotiations continue over additional aid and post-war reconstruction. The formal approval by EU institutions and the coordination among member states will determine the pace of disbursement. EU officials emphasized that the funds must be delivered efficiently to have the intended impact, both for Kyiv’s defence needs and economic stability.

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Oil prices fall 1.5% as Ukraine backs peace deal

Oil prices slipped on Tuesday after Ukraine indicated it might support a US-backed framework for a peace deal with Russia. The move raised the possibility that Western sanctions on Russian energy could be relaxed, potentially allowing more Russian crude to enter global markets. This expectation put downward pressure on oil prices.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell about 1.4% to US$62.48 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, the US benchmark, dropped 1.5% to US$57.95. These levels were the lowest since October 22, reflecting investor caution amid the news.

Analysts say that if sanctions on Russian energy are lifted, the global oil market could see a supply glut, which tends to lower prices. While the news of possible Ukrainian support for a peace deal sparked a drop, market participants remain cautious. Ukraine and Russia still have key differences to resolve, and uncertainty about the final terms of any agreement is keeping some investors wary.

In addition to supply concerns, oil traders are monitoring global demand signals. Economic factors, such as possible interest rate cuts by central banks, could affect consumption and offset some of the downward pressure from increased supply.

Overall, the oil market is balancing between optimism about a potential end to the war and the realities of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Investors are carefully watching developments in peace negotiations, changes in sanctions, and global economic indicators to gauge where prices might head in the coming weeks.

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