Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism regarding the European Union’s decision on a proposed €90 billion loan, with expectations of receiving the first tranche by late May or early June. The funds are intended primarily for military reinforcement, domestic arms production, and social support for citizens.
In comments to reporters, Zelensky emphasized the urgency of securing the initial funds. He stated,
“Regarding the €90 billion — it is a priority. We are working to expedite the first tranche, aiming to receive the funds by the end of May or the beginning of June.”
The president outlined that the financial assistance would be directed towards strengthening the Ukrainian military and enhancing local arms manufacturing. He noted,
“This includes bolstering our army and, undoubtedly, increasing domestic production of Ukrainian weapons. We will also consider options for acquiring scarce weaponry from our partners. However, our primary focus is on social support for our people, as well as funding for drone production and electronic warfare systems… We believe that everything will be unblocked. Ukraine has fulfilled all its commitments on time.”
Zelensky also highlighted the significance of unblocking the 20th sanctions package against Russia, aimed at increasing pressure on the Russian energy sector and its shadow fleet.
Prior to the upcoming EU summit on April 23, Zelensky noted that key expectations include the approval of the €90 billion loan, the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia, and the initiation of negotiation clusters related to Ukraine’s EU accession process.
Background on the €90 Billion EU Loan
On December 19, 2025, EU leaders agreed to support Ukraine with a €90 billion loan for the years 2026–2027. This loan will be secured through the EU’s budgetary reserves, rather than frozen Russian assets.
On January 14, 2026, the European Commission approved a legislative package to enable the loan, which aims to address Ukraine’s financial and military needs over the next two years. Subsequently, on January 21, the European Parliament endorsed a proposal allowing for the activation of the loan for Ukraine.
However, on February 20, Hungary blocked the disbursement of the loan, citing issues related to the transit of oil from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that it had informed Budapest about damage to the pipeline caused by Russian shelling on January 27, countering Hungary’s claims of delays in oil transit as illogical.
Despite these tensions, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto asserted on February 23 that Russia had not targeted the Druzhba pipeline infrastructure, attributing the halt in transit to Ukraine’s internal political decisions. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry accused Szijjarto of making statements that favor Russia.
On March 19, during an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, the Hungarian Prime Minister reiterated that Budapest would not support any EU decisions favoring Ukraine until the oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline was restored, including the unblocking of the €90 billion loan.
Details on the 20th EU Sanctions Package Against Russia
On February 6, the European Commission proposed the 20th sanctions package against Russia, targeting its energy sector, banking system, and trade. The new measures aim to further reduce Russia’s oil revenues and complicate the circumvention of sanctions through shadow fleets and cryptocurrencies.
The proposed sanctions include a complete ban on maritime services for transporting Russian crude oil, which is expected to diminish Russia’s energy profits and hinder its ability to find buyers. These restrictions are planned to be implemented in coordination with G7 partners.
The EU also aims to expand sanctions against the shadow fleet, adding 43 vessels to the list, bringing the total to 640 ships. Additionally, a complete ban on maintenance and other services for LNG tankers and icebreakers is expected to impact Russian gas export projects.
The second set of measures will target Russia’s financial system, with plans to add 20 regional banks to the sanctions list and limit the use of cryptocurrencies and platforms that facilitate sanction evasion. Banks in third countries that assist in trading sanctioned goods may also face restrictions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced expectations for a €90 billion loan from the EU, aimed at military and social support. The approval of this loan and new sanctions against Russia are anticipated at the upcoming EU summit.