KYIV, Nov 15 – The time of disbursing EUR 4.1 billion for macrofinancial assistance (MFA) to Ukraine depends on the Council of the European Union, yet the European Commission is hopeful that will happen before the year-end, European Commission spokesperson Ana Pisonero said.

"It is in the hands of the council to confirm that they agree with our assessment. And then of course the timing of disbursement is in the hands of the council. Once the council gives the green light then, of course, the commission can proceed with the payment. The [European Commission] President [Ursula von der Leyen] has already said that we hope that this payment can be done this year," Pisonero said at a press briefing in Brussels on Friday.