25.04.2026 20:08
The Council of the European Union has formally approved the 90 billion euro loan committed to Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia.
After a long delay due to a dispute over the suspension of flow through the Druzhba (Friendship) oil pipeline between Hungary and Ukraine, a 90 billion euro European Union (EU) loan for Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia have finally been given the green light.
Following Hungary's lifting of its veto, the decisions on the loan and sanctions package, adopted yesterday by EU member states' ambassadors, were formally approved by the Council today. The decisions, which are expected to be swiftly implemented by the European Commission, come ahead of an informal summit of EU member states' heads of state and government to be held this evening in the Southern Cypriot Greek Administration, the rotating EU presidency.
"RUSSIA INTENSIFIES ATTACKS, WE STEP UP SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE"
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a statement shared on social media, expressed her welcome for the approval by EU member states of the loan for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia. "As Russia escalates its attacks, we are stepping up our support for the heroic Ukrainian nation. We are enabling Ukraine to defend itself and putting pressure on Russia's war economy," she wrote.
"LASTING PEACE RESTS ON STRENGTHENING UKRAINE"
European Council President Antonio Costa also said in his statement, "We promised, we delivered, and we implemented. The EU's strategy for achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine rests on two pillars: strengthening Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia. Today, we made progress on both fronts."
Costa added, "By unlocking the 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine, we have secured financial and military support for the 2026-27 period. Furthermore, by adopting the 20th sanctions package against Russia, we have reduced its capacity to sustain the war. Europe stands resolute, united, and unwavering in its support for Ukraine."
"WE WILL PROVIDE UKRAINE WITH EVERYTHING"
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, in a statement indicating that the deadlock over EU decisions on Ukraine and Russia has been overcome, said, "Russia's war economy is under increasing pressure. Ukraine, on the other hand, is gaining substantial support. Until Putin understands that the war leads nowhere, we will provide Ukraine with everything it needs to maintain its position."
The 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine will be used for the country's urgent budget needs and defense requirements in 2026 and 2027.
SANCTIONS PACKAGE TARGETS RUSSIAN OIL
The 20th sanctions package, containing new measures in the areas of energy, financial services, and trade against Russia, was announced in February. The 20th sanctions package, which the EU will implement since the beginning of the war, aims to reduce Russia's energy revenues and make it harder for it to find buyers for its oil through bans on maritime services related to Russian crude oil. With the new sanctions package, 43 more vessels belonging to the Russian shadow fleet are blacklisted. The sanctions also include additional measures targeting the Russian banking system.