BRUSSELS, Sept 22 – The European Commission on Friday announced the payment of EUR 1.5 billion to Ukraine as part of macro-financial assistance providing for EUR 18 billion.

"With today's payment, Ukraine has so far received EUR 13.5 billion this year under Macro-financial Assistance +. This support will help Ukraine to continue paying wages and pensions, and keep essential public services running, such as hospitals, schools, and housing for relocated people," according to an EC communiqué published in Brussels.