Money, weapons of sanctions: EU prepares assistance to Ukraine on the eve of the second anniversary of the war - FT

New sanctions provide for additional restrictions on legal entities and individuals related to a full -scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Yes, it is envisaged to assist Kiev in the amount of 50 billion euros over the next four years. According to sources, some of these funds will be provided immediately after the relevant agreement is concluded.

In addition, the total support complex provides for the allocation of 5 billion euros of military assistance annually, as well as the transfer of income from frozen assets of Russia. "It is money, weapons and sanctions at a time when we recognize that Ukrainians need encouragement. But in two years we see that we can do the limits of what we can do," one of the EU diplomats said.

The main attention will be focused on expanding the list of individuals and legal entities to be freezing assets and prohibiting entry. At the same time, no restrictions on the import of Russian aluminum will be imposed, despite the requirements of Poland and the Baltic States. Last year, financial support was proposed as part of the latest update of the European Union budget last year.

However, this budget is still expected to be signed by the leaders of the Member States, which is envisaged at the meeting on February 1. In December, Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked this agreement. However, the European Commission is readiness to make concessions to attract its support. One of the specific proposals is to provide financial assistance in the future.

Meanwhile, EU diplomats are convinced that the Hungarian leader will eventually yield to how he did in previous situations related to Ukraine. Another additional element is the ability to provide Ukraine with some assistance, however, the exact amount is still discussed. In addition, the issue of confiscation of frozen Russian assets was raised.

"The European Commission's proposal for Russian state assets is dated December, but it does not provide for the actual confiscation of these income and their transfer to Ukraine," FT notes. According to representatives of the European Union, supporting the capture of Russia's assets, most of which is located in Europe, is unlikely from Italy, France and Germany.