G7 Finalize $50 Bn Ukraine Loan Backed by Russian Assets Profits

Rescuers work at a site of an apartment building destroyed by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipro, Ukraine October 26, 2024. REUTERS/Mykhailo Moskalenko
Rescuers work at a site of an apartment building destroyed by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipro, Ukraine October 26, 2024. REUTERS/Mykhailo Moskalenko
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G7 Finalize $50 Bn Ukraine Loan Backed by Russian Assets Profits

Rescuers work at a site of an apartment building destroyed by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipro, Ukraine October 26, 2024. REUTERS/Mykhailo Moskalenko
Rescuers work at a site of an apartment building destroyed by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipro, Ukraine October 26, 2024. REUTERS/Mykhailo Moskalenko

G7 leaders have finalized details surrounding a $50 billion loan to aid Kyiv, backed by profits from Russian sovereign assets frozen after its invasion of Ukraine, according to a statement released Friday.

Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies said they "have reached a consensus on how to deliver" the loans of approximately $50 billion, with an aim to start disbursing funds by the end of this year, AFP reported.

"The loan proceeds will be disbursed through multiple channels to support Ukraine's budgetary, military and reconstruction assistance," G7 leaders added.

Their announcement came as world financial leaders gathered in Washington this week for meetings hosted by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

Finance ministers have "agreed on a technical solution ensuring consistency, coordination, fair distribution of lending, and solidarity among all G7 partners," the statement said.

"We will not tire in our resolve to give Ukraine the support it needs to prevail," the leaders added.

They called on Moscow to end its war and pay for damage caused to Ukraine.

This week, US President Joe Biden said that as part of the G7 package, the United States would provide $20 billion in loans to Ukraine, to be paid back by the interest earned from immobilized Russian sovereign assets.

This is aimed at supporting Ukraine now, "without burdening taxpayers."



Israel Signs $500 Mln Deal on Interception System that Strikes Down Rockets, Missiles and Drones

06 August 2022, Israel, Sderot: The Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system fires an interceptor missile. (dpa)
06 August 2022, Israel, Sderot: The Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system fires an interceptor missile. (dpa)
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Israel Signs $500 Mln Deal on Interception System that Strikes Down Rockets, Missiles and Drones

06 August 2022, Israel, Sderot: The Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system fires an interceptor missile. (dpa)
06 August 2022, Israel, Sderot: The Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system fires an interceptor missile. (dpa)

Israel’s Defense Ministry said Monday it has signed a $500 million deal to begin production of a laser interception system that can strike down incoming rockets, missiles and drones.

The Iron Beam will be produced by two Israeli companies and is expected to be ready in a year’s time, the ministry said.

Israel already has an elaborate, multilayered aerial defense system that relies on interceptors to strike down incoming missile fire and drones. But Israel has said the Iron Beam system will be a game changer because it would be much cheaper to operate than existing systems. It is expected to be operational within a year

The aerial defense array includes the Iron Dome, which intercepts short range missiles and drones, David’s Sling, which intercepts medium-range missiles, and The Arrow, which intercepts long-range ballistic missiles.

“The Iron Beam will complement the Iron Dome, and the combination of laser and missile interception will further strengthen our defense systems against rockets, missiles, UAVs, cruise missiles, and additional threats,” the ministry said.

The vast majority of missiles and drones fired at Israel during the ongoing Mideast wars have been intercepted. However, some have made it through and drones have become a particular challenge to shoot down.