The Economic Aid Ukraine Needs Now

Over the past two weeks, Russian-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine have moved their heavy weapons to the front, ending the relative peace that has prevailed since the Minsk accords were signed earlier this year. The goal for the moment seems to be to impoverish and destabilize Ukraine so that it will ultimately have to submit to Russian influence. With winter approaching, the Kremlin will soon have more ways to apply pressure; rebel shelling is likely to be just the start.

The European Union recognized that Russia and the rebels it supports never embraced the cease-fire agreement, and over the summer it renewed its sanctions against Russia. But Ukraine needs economic support to survive the onslaught.