European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Friday that Ukraine needs around €3 billion to €4 billion a month to cover basic needs. She announced the European Union will provide around €1.5 billion per month or a total of €18 billion in 2023, while the rest will come from the United States and financial institutions.
On China, Von der Leyen said that President Xi Jinping is continuing Beijing’s assertive, self-reliant course» and seeking to increase China’s influence in Southeast Asia and globally. She cautioned that the EU must be «very vigilant» when it comes to dependency on China, especially in the trade of technologies and raw materials. She reiterated the bloc must reinforce its own capacities and diversify toward reliable suppliers.