The European Union (EU) today disbursed the first installment of three billion euros under the new macro-financial assistance program (MFA+) for Ukraine, for a total of 18 billion euros for this year.

MFA+ entered into force in mid-December, following a decision by the European Council on October 20 and 21, 2020, and received the green light from the European Parliament.

The 18 billion to be lent to Ukraine - which will be paid to Kyiv in monthly installments of 1.5 billion - will have a grace period of ten years.

In a speech in Davos, where the World Economic Forum is taking place, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stressed that the EU will continue to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes".

"Our unwavering support for Ukraine will not let up. Whether it's helping to restore electricity, heat and water supplies, or preparing for long-term reconstruction efforts," said Ursula von der Leyen, quoted by Lusa.

The aim is to provide short-term financial aid, finance Ukraine's immediate needs, rehabilitate critical infrastructure and provide initial support for sustainable post-war reconstruction, with a view to supporting Ukraine on the road to European integration.

The war launched against Ukraine by Russia has led to a loss of market access and a drastic drop in Ukraine's public revenues, while public spending to deal with the humanitarian situation and maintain the continuity of state services has risen sharply.

Between 2014 and 2022, the EU has lent Kyiv 7.2 billion ME in the form of macro-financial aid.

The military offensive launched on February 24, 2022 by Russia in Ukraine has so far caused more than 14 million people to flee - 6.5 million internally displaced and more than 7.9 million to European countries - according to the latest UN figures, which classify this refugee crisis as the worst in Europe since the Second World War (1939-1945).

At the moment, 17.7 million Ukrainians need humanitarian aid and 9.3 million need food aid and housing.

The Russian invasion - justified by Russian President Vladimir Putin with the need to "denazify" and demilitarize Ukraine for Russia's security - has been condemned by the international community in general, which has responded by sending arms to Ukraine and imposing political and economic sanctions on Russia.

Since the beginning of the war, the UN has confirmed that 7,031 civilians have been killed and 11,327 wounded, stressing that these figures are far lower than the real ones.