European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday announced up to nine billion euros in short-term macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, to be made available later this year.

"We propose to complement the significant short-term assistance provided so far with a new exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine of up to nine billion euros in 2022," the head of the EU executive said in a press statement in Brussels today, without detailing how this sum will be allocated.

According to Lusa, the European Union (EU) has already disbursed 1.2 billion euros of emergency macro-financial aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion that began on February 24.

Taking a longer-term view, Von der Leyen stressed that the EU will support Ukraine's reconstruction, combining investment with reforms, in order to support the country's path towards Europe.

In this regard, a reconstruction platform will be created that brings together Ukraine, the EU and other donor countries, international institutions and other relevant partners.

"The aim of this platform would be to agree on the way forward and ensure maximum synergies from all efforts," she said.

"These investments will help Ukraine emerge stronger and more resilient from the devastation caused by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's troops," he further added.

Ukraine's reconstruction plan will have to include reforms in key areas such as the fight against corruption, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary, and will also have to target the digital and ecological transition and the fundamental values of the EU.

The war in Ukraine entered its 84th day today, with no independent information on the number of casualties.

Various sources, including the UN, admit that casualties are high, both civilian and military.

According to the United Nations, some 15 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine.