Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine has completed all necessary steps to unlock a €90 billion support package from the European Union. This development was discussed during a conversation with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Zelensky highlighted that these funds are intended to strengthen not only Ukraine but also the entire European continent. He expressed optimism that the financial support would begin to flow soon, as Ukraine has met all preconditions for receiving this funding.
During their discussion, the two leaders also addressed Ukraine’s ongoing path toward EU membership. Zelensky noted that Ukraine is technically ready to initiate negotiations on various clusters related to its accession process.
Additionally, the conversation included a focus on the need for continued sanctions against Russia. Zelensky emphasized that Europe’s resolve to implement new sanctions is crucial, especially in light of attempts to weaken existing restrictions.
The leaders agreed to further discuss these issues and coordinate next steps in an upcoming meeting.
On April 21, Zelensky reported that Ukraine had completed repairs on a section of the Druzhba oil pipeline that had been damaged by a Russian strike, indicating that the facility could resume operations.
Background on the EU Loan for Ukraine
On December 19, 2025, EU leaders approved a decision to support Ukraine with a €90 billion package for the years 2026-2027. This loan is to be backed by the EU’s budget reserves rather than frozen Russian assets.
On January 14, 2026, the European Commission adopted a legislative package aimed at facilitating this loan to cover Ukraine’s financial and military needs over the next two years.
By January 21, the European Parliament had endorsed a proposal allowing for the activation of enhanced cooperation to establish the loan for Ukraine.
On February 11, members of the European Parliament voted in favor of three legislative acts that would enable Ukraine to access the €90 billion loan in 2026 and 2027.
However, on February 20, Hungary blocked the disbursement of the EU loan to Ukraine, citing the lack of oil transit from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Kyiv had informed Budapest about the Russian strikes on the Druzhba pipeline and the resulting damage as early as January 27, asserting that accusations of Ukraine delaying supplies were illogical.
Despite this, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto claimed at an EU Council meeting on February 23 that Russia had not attacked the pipeline infrastructure and alleged that Ukraine had halted transit due to an internal political decision. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the Hungarian minister of making statements and taking actions that favored Russia.
On February 23, European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the EU was not considering alternative options regarding the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, which Hungary continues to block.
The EU leaders’ summit took place on March 19 in Brussels. Before the meeting, the Hungarian Prime Minister told reporters that Budapest would not support any EU decision favoring Ukraine until Kyiv reinstated oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, including the unblocking of the €90 billion loan.
President Zelensky has confirmed Ukraine's readiness to unlock a €90 billion EU support package, emphasizing its importance for both Ukraine and Europe. Ongoing discussions include Ukraine's EU membership and the necessity for continued sanctions against Russia.