German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul announced that the European Union will not revisit the issue of utilizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Instead, the EU will concentrate on a €90 billion interest-free loan currently obstructed by Hungary.
This statement was made during a conference in Berlin on February 25, as reported by DW. Wadephul emphasized, “This issue is definitively resolved,” during a joint press conference with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxim Prevot, dismissing any possibility of reopening discussions on transferring frozen Russian funds to Ukraine.
The German minister highlighted that the EU has identified a viable alternative: the €90 billion loan aimed at addressing Ukraine’s needs for the years 2026 to 2027, which was approved at a European Council summit.
Wadephul criticized Hungary for blocking the loan, expressing shock at the actions of the Hungarian government. He refuted claims linking the suspension of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline to Budapest’s decision to obstruct the credit. He stated that Hungary is “betraying its own struggle for freedom.”
Prior to this, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed confidence that the EU would find a way to deliver the promised support to Ukraine. “The loan has been agreed upon by the 27 heads of state and government in the European Council. They have given their word. This word cannot be broken,” she stated during her visit to Kyiv, adding that the EU has “various options” to facilitate this support.
Details on the €90 Billion Loan for Ukraine
On December 19, 2025, EU leaders reached a decision regarding the €90 billion support package for Ukraine for the years 2026 and 2027. This loan will be backed by the EU’s budget reserve rather than by frozen Russian assets.
On January 14, 2026, the European Commission approved a legislative package that would enable the provision of this loan to Kyiv for covering financial and military needs over the two-year period.
On January 21, the European Parliament endorsed a proposal regarding the EU Council’s decision to activate enhanced cooperation for establishing the Loan for Ukraine, amounting to €90 billion for 2026-2027.
On February 11, Members of the European Parliament voted in favor of three legislative acts that would allow Ukraine to receive the €90 billion loan in 2026 and 2027.
On February 20, it became known that Hungary had blocked the release of the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine, linking this action to the suspension of oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Kyiv had informed Budapest about Russian strikes on the Druzhba pipeline in Brody, Lviv region, and the resulting damages as early as January 27, asserting that accusations of delays in deliveries are illogical.
On February 24, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola signed two of the three documents necessary for the loan allocation to Ukraine. The approval of the third document, which involves amendments to the EU’s multiannual financial framework, remains blocked by Hungary.
The EU has decided against using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, focusing instead on a €90 billion loan, which is currently stalled due to Hungary's objections. German officials express frustration over Hungary's blockade, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling commitments made to Ukraine.