European Commission Says First $4.9 Billion Released From Ukraine Aid Fund

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the first $4.9 billion payment in financial aid has been made to Ukraine from a support fund set up to help Kyiv as it battles invading Russian forces. The fund, created at the start of the month, aims to help the country's public finances, including paying pensions and salaries and providing basic public services during the war. "This payment, in the form of a bridge financing, is crucial to help you maintain the functioning of the state in this very difficult moment," von der Leyen said.