Brussels, 25 July 2023 (dpa/MIA) - The European Union paid on Tuesday €1.5 billion ($1.66 billion) to Ukraine "to help keep the state running and repair infrastructure," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter.

The disbursement is part of an EU financial assistance programme for Kiev worth €18 billion in 2023.

Von der Leyen also said she firmly condemns the Russian strikes on Ukrainian grain storage and export infrastructure.

"As Russia continues its ruthless war, we continue to support Ukraine," she wrote, adding "more will come."

Photo: MIA archive