EU announces 35 bn euro loan plan for Ukraine before winter

(ANSA-AFP) - KYIV, SEP 20 - EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Friday announced plans for Brussels to lend Ukraine 35 billion euros backed by revenues of frozen Russian assets and promised to help Ukraine "keep warm" ahead of a third winter of war with Russia. Von der Leyen was in Kyiv after a summer of intense fighting and as fears grow for how Ukraine's war-battered energy grid will cope this winter. The International Energy Agency has said Kyiv faces its "sternest test" so far this winter, with Moscow expected to launch another bombing campaign on the country's already damaged infrastructure. The EU official's trip also came ahead of President Volodymyr Zelensky going to the United States to present plans to end two and a half years of war. "The European Union is here to help you in this challenge to keep the lights on, to keep your people warm and keep your economy going as you fight for your survival," von der Leyen said. "We are now confident that we can deliver this loan to Ukraine very quickly, a loan that is backed by the windfall profits from immobilised Russian assets," she added, speaking alongside Zelensky. (ANSA-AFP).