Kiev/Brussels, 24 February 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The European Union is to disburse an aid payment for Ukraine worth €3.5 billion ($3.7 billion) in March rather than later this year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in Kiev.

"Europe is here to strengthen Ukraine in this critical moment," von der Leyen said in a speech published in advance to mark the third anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"The war in Ukraine remains the most central and consequential crisis for Europe’s future," she said.

"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin is trying harder than ever to win this war on the ground. His goal remains Ukraine’s capitulation," the commission president added, before warning that Russia could try to attack other countries.

"We know what could happen next. Because it has already happened before. It is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It is Europe’s destiny."

Photo: EPA/dpa