The European Union is currently unable to confirm the disbursement of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine due to ongoing obstacles related to the approval of the 20th sanctions package against Russia.
According to a statement from an EU official, efforts are underway to resolve these issues, but no positive updates regarding the loan’s approval have been provided. The official expressed hope that a decision could be reached by the next European Council meeting.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga clarified that the primary obstacle is Hungary, which he claims is leveraging its EU and NATO membership to block the loan, effectively holding the EU’s policies and unity hostage. He emphasized the need to find solutions to overcome this artificially created barrier.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has indicated that no financial aid will be extended to Ukraine until the country repairs the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged by a Russian strike, allowing Russian oil to flow back to Hungary.
This situation has critically delayed the provision of essential funding for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted that the ongoing uncertainty jeopardizes preparations for the upcoming winter, with Ukraine facing a funding shortfall for its $5.1 billion recovery plan.
The EU's €90 billion loan to Ukraine is currently stalled, primarily due to Hungary's obstruction linked to energy supply issues. This delay poses significant risks to Ukraine's winter preparations and recovery efforts.