European Union leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with a massive interest-free loan to meet its military and economic needs for the next two years

The European Union agreed on Friday to lend Ukraine 90 billion euros ($105 billion) but will not, for now, use frozen Russian assets to secure the loan.

Europe’s 90-billion-euro interest-free loan to keep Ukraine’s economy and military from a budgetary blackhole through 2027 didn’t come about in the way some leaders wanted, but the fact it came about at all is a win for the bloc.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe will have to find the way to directly engage with the Russian leader as the US pushes ahead with peace talks.

Moscow is struggling to back up claims it has seized Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, and to deny a submarine was struck.

The European Union is on the precipice of a momentous decision on whether to use frozen Russian assets to finance more support for Ukraine. Critics argue the plan is legally questionable and risks retaliation by Moscow.

The latest proposal is designed to deter future Russian aggression. But Russia is not part of the talks and has shown little willingness to negotiate.