Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns that the delay in receiving a €90 billion loan from the European Union poses significant risks for Ukraine’s winter preparations. He made these remarks during a press conference with Bulgaria’s acting Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov.
Despite not yet receiving the promised funds, Zelensky assured that Ukraine currently has resources available for salaries, military funding, and pensions. He emphasized that the primary threat lies in preparing for the winter, highlighting a comprehensive plan aimed at securing energy and water supply systems. This plan requires approximately $5.1 billion, which Ukraine had anticipated would be largely financed by the EU loan.
Zelensky pointed out that the delay in funding heightens the risks associated with winter readiness. “I expected that by March we would finalize all plans… We should have started construction by April 1, but this is not a widespread effort due to the absence of these funds. Thus, this postponement poses a risk for winter, and we are now tasked with finding financing,” he stated.
The president noted that European leaders are responsible for resolving the issue regarding the first tranche of €45 billion for Ukraine. “We can discuss support for Ukraine and its defense extensively, yet the funds for this support remain blocked… We firmly believe that European leaders are much stronger together than any individual,” Zelensky added.
In December 2025, the EU agreed to provide Ukraine with a support loan of €90 billion for the years 2026-2027, with the first tranche expected in early April. However, during a summit on March 19, EU leaders did not finalize the multi-billion-euro loan, which has been stalled by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban has maintained his position despite facing criticism, stating that Ukraine must first resume oil transportation through the Druzhba pipeline.
Although the substantial loan remains blocked, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has assured that “we will fulfill our promise one way or another.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky warns that delays in a €90 billion EU loan jeopardize the country's winter preparations. He stresses the need for immediate funding to secure essential services and infrastructure.