EU to disburse first 9.1 bln euros under Ukraine loan package

The European Union (EU) is preparing to disburse a first tranche of 9.1 billion euros (10.5 billion U.S. dollars) to Ukraine in June as part of a landmark 90-billion-euro (103.8 billion dollars) financial assistance package, European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said on Monday.

Speaking at the Commission's daily press briefing, Ujvari said the funds will be split to cover critical military and economic needs, with 5.9 billion euros (6.8 billion dollars) earmarked for defense, and 3.2 billion euros (3.7 billion dollars) for direct budget support.

The final technical details are being worked out, said Ujvari.

On the same day, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said to the press during an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Nicosia, Cyprus, that the 5.9 billion euros (6.8 billion dollars) to be released this month would be used for drones.

Separately, the EU announced the disbursement of 2.8 billion euros (3.2 billion dollars) under the Ukraine Facility to help meet Ukraine's financing needs and ensure the continued functioning of its public administration.

The EU formally approved the 90-billion-euro loan package for Ukraine in April, aiming to provide fiscal and military support to the country in 2026 and 2027.

EU to disburse first 9.1 bln euros under Ukraine loan package

EU to disburse first 9.1 bln euros under Ukraine loan package

Rare images of Asian black bears, a wild species under second-class national protection, have recently been captured by infrared cameras in a nature reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Researchers at the Xinping management and protection bureau of the Ailao Mountain national nature reserve released the footage on Saturday, which showed wild bears foraging, resting, or moving leisurely across several locations within the reserve.

The animal is famous for the distinct, crescent-shaped white patch of fur on its chest, which earns it the nickname "moon bear."

Asian black bears are distributed mostly in mountainous and forested areas in several regions of China. They are typically active at night, dawn, or dusk, but may also occasionally venture out during daytime. Their diet primarily includes plant shoots, fruits, and insects.

The recent recordings indicate a healthy ecosystem and ample food supply within the reserve, and provide valuable reference data for future research on Asian black bear behaviors and activity patterns across different habitats.

Rare Asian black bears spotted in Yunnan nature reserve