**World Bank Gives Ukraine $2.05 Billion**
The World Bank‘s Executive Board has approved a new financing package for Ukraine worth $2.05 billion. This is the first time funds have been used from a US loan backed by frozen Russian assets.
The money is part of a bigger plan to give Ukraine €50 billion using Russian assets. The US contributed $20 billion to this effort, which is a new way to use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine recover and develop.
**Two Parts to the Funding**
The first financing package includes two parts:
1. A $1.05 billion loan through the ADVANCE Ukraine Trust Fund.
2. A $1 billion grant from the FORTIS Ukraine FIF fund. This is part of the US’s $20 billion contribution.
**What Will the Money Be Used For?**
The World Bank says the funds will help Ukraine’s government make reforms to strengthen its economy and improve financial stability. The money will be used for policy reforms, such as:
* Improving Ukraine’s railway sector
* Making it easier to do business in the banking sector
* Increasing renewable energy production
* Helping farmers get credit
**Russia’s War Efforts**
There have been recent gains near Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. A Russian commander has suggested freezing the war on current frontlines, but experts say this would only help Russia.
The EU is considering letting its neutral members provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets, rather than arms.