EU Approves $106 Billion Loan for Ukraine; Russian Asset Use Deferred

• The EU has agreed to provide a $106 billion (€90 billion) loan to Ukraine to address its budget shortfall.
• The decision to use frozen Russian central bank assets (approx. €200 billion) for Ukraine's aid has been postponed.
• Belgium, holding most Russian assets, resisted the asset use plan due to liability concerns, leading to the deferral.
• Ukraine needs an estimated €135 billion ($159 billion) over the next two years, with a cash crunch expected by April.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky advocated for using Russian assets, calling it "moral, fair, and legal."

Why It Matters: EU secures vital funding for Ukraine, but defers controversial decision on frozen Russian assets.