European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen announced a €35 billion loan plan for Ukraine on Friday, aimed at helping the war-torn country endure the challenges of winter while continuing to resist Russia's invasion.

The loan, set to be backed by revenues from immobilized Russian assets, marks a critical effort to support Ukraine as it enters its third winter of war. Von der Leyen’s announcement came during her visit to Kyiv, where she reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to aiding Ukraine as it fights to sustain its energy grid, economy, and survival through the harsh winter months.

Ukraine's energy infrastructure has already suffered extensive damage from previous Russian bombing campaigns, and the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the upcoming winter could be the country's "sternest test" yet. With the Russian military expected to launch renewed strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid, Kyiv faces a pressing need for resources to repair and protect its infrastructure. Von der Leyen's pledge seeks to provide the financial lifeline necessary to keep Ukraine’s power on and homes warm during this crucial period.

"We are here to help you keep the lights on, to keep your people warm, and to ensure that your economy keeps functioning while you fight for your survival," von der Leyen said during a press conference in Kyiv, standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The proposed loan is part of a broader €50 billion plan agreed upon by the G7 nations in June, aimed at using the proceeds from frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine's economy and defenses.

Since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the EU has frozen approximately $235 billion in Russian central bank funds, representing a large portion of the global total of immobilized Russian assets. The proposed loan to Ukraine will be backed by windfall profits generated from these frozen funds, and EU officials are optimistic that the funds can be disbursed quickly once the proposal is approved by member states. "We are confident that we can deliver this loan swiftly, ensuring that Ukraine gets the support it needs," von der Leyen said.

The EU’s plan is aimed at addressing Ukraine’s urgent financial needs as the country grapples with the economic strain of sustaining the war effort. Ukraine’s economy has been battered by the war, with the energy sector particularly vulnerable to Russian attacks. Beyond providing immediate financial support, von der Leyen also promised that Brussels would assist in repairing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has been targeted repeatedly by Russian missiles and drones.

"We will help you repair the damages inflicted by Russian strikes on your energy grid," von der Leyen said, outlining the EU’s commitment to restoring 2.5 gigawatts of electricity capacity by winter—equivalent to approximately 15% of Ukraine’s projected energy needs during the cold months. This assistance is expected to be crucial in helping Ukraine’s battered energy system cope with the increased demand and potential disruptions caused by further Russian attacks.

The loan proposal and energy assistance come at a critical time, as fears mount over how Ukraine’s already fragile energy grid will handle the upcoming winter. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been a key target for Russia since the beginning of the war, and the potential for renewed attacks threatens to plunge parts of the country into darkness and cold during one of the most difficult periods of the conflict.

Von der Leyen’s visit to Kyiv also came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to travel to the United States to present his "victory plan" for ending the war. Zelensky expressed hope that U.S. President Joe Biden will support his strategy, which aims to achieve key military and diplomatic decisions between October and December. "I truly hope that President Biden will back this plan," Zelensky stated during the press conference. He emphasized the importance of international support in implementing the proposal, which outlines a path to peace while continuing to push back against Russian forces.

Zelensky is set to meet with Biden and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as potentially holding discussions with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader has expressed a desire to host an international peace summit in November, where he plans to present his vision for ending the war. Russia will be invited to the summit, though it remains unclear whether Moscow will engage in the negotiations.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation on the ground in Ukraine remains dire, particularly in the eastern city of Pokrovsk. Russian forces have made significant advances toward the city, which once had a population of 60,000. AFP reporters in Pokrovsk have described the city as largely deserted, with most shops closed and windows barricaded. Ukrainian authorities have been working to evacuate civilians from the area, but an estimated 16,000 people remain.

For those still in Pokrovsk, the decision to leave is a painful one. Alyona Kozynets, a mother of three, told AFP of the difficulty in abandoning her home and community. "I don’t even have the words to explain how hard this is," she said, holding back tears as she prepared to board an evacuation bus. Her husband Yuri, who works in the local mine, chose to stay behind. "My wife and children are my whole life. They are my soul, my heart. It’s impossible for anyone to live without their soul and heart," he said, watching the bus pull away.

The looming winter poses an even greater challenge for those who remain in the war zone. As Russian forces push closer to Pokrovsk, Ukrainian troops and civilians alike are bracing for intensified fighting. Meanwhile, the country's energy infrastructure continues to suffer from ongoing Russian missile strikes, making it increasingly difficult to maintain basic services in frontline cities.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine remains determined to resist Russian advances, and international support—like the loan plan announced by von der Leyen—will be critical in helping the country weather the storm. As winter approaches and the conflict shows no signs of abating, the Ukrainian people face yet another difficult chapter in their fight for survival.

The EU’s €35 billion loan proposal, backed by frozen Russian assets, represents a key step in ensuring that Ukraine can sustain itself through the cold months ahead. With the war dragging on into its third winter, the international community's support remains as vital as ever in helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty and keep its people safe and warm.