At the same time, Ukraine is struggling to hold back Russian advanced further south, around the city of Kurakhove, which has been surrounded from three sides for months. Earlier this week, Zelensky called the situation around Kurakhove “the most difficult area” of the frontline.

The European Commission has approved $4.25 billion in grants and loans under the Ukraine Facility program, part of a broader $50 billion package. Ursula von der Leyen, head of the