DISINFO: EU is only helping Ukraine to fight coronavirus with words
SUMMARY
Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls up Merkel, discusses the Donbas and the fight against the virus, and asks for help. However, he realises that they can only help Ukraine with words. But perhaps it’s important for him to show that Europe is still with Ukraine.
RESPONSE
The recurring Kremlin disinformation narrative about 'abandoned' Ukraine, disintegration of the European Union. The EU is continuing to support Ukraine even in the face of the global crisis caused by the pandemic. The first support package for Ukraine for the pandemic is approximately €80 million to support the health system. The EU will help address social issues: help older people, online education, child care and providing credit support to small and medium-sized businesses. In general, the European Union allocated €140 million to the Eastern Partnership countries for the most urgent needs to fight against coronavirus. In addition to Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia and Moldova will also receive financial aid. The European Commission will also redistribute €700 million to help mitigate the socio-economic impact of the crisis caused by the coronavirus. More on the targeted EU response to support partner countries' efforts in tackling the coronavirus pandemic here.