Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has expressed concerns that any easing of sanctions against Russia poses a threat to Euro-Atlantic security. He made these remarks during a joint press conference with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv on March 31.
Sybiha emphasized the urgency of implementing the 20th sanctions package against Russia, which he believes is essential for restoring peace in Europe. He stated, “Any relaxation of sanctions at this time does not enhance Euro-Atlantic security; it only creates a threat. We must increase pressure to stop the Russian war and restore peace.”
He further urged EU partners to expedite the approval of this sanctions package and to unblock a previously agreed €90 billion loan from the EU. “We expect to receive the first tranche soon. These funds are not an act of charity or solidarity with Ukraine; they are essential for defending Europe against Russian aggression and maintaining peace and stability on the continent,” he added.
The proposed 20th sanctions package was initially anticipated to be implemented on February 24, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. However, Hungary has vetoed the package, with Slovakia joining in opposition.
The €90 billion loan for Ukraine is also being held up by the Hungarian government, which demands that Kyiv restore oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, halted due to damage from Russian shelling.
On March 31, EU parliamentary speakers and foreign ministers visited Ukraine to attend the Bucha Summit, commemorating the anniversary of the city’s liberation from Russian occupation.
In December 2025, EU leaders agreed to support Ukraine with a €90 billion loan for 2026-2027. This loan will be backed by the EU’s budget reserves rather than frozen Russian assets.
On January 14, 2026, the European Commission proposed legislative measures to facilitate this loan to cover Ukraine’s financial and military needs over the next two years. The European Parliament supported this proposal on January 21, allowing for the establishment of the Loan for Ukraine program.
However, on February 20, Hungary blocked the disbursement of the €90 billion loan due to the suspension of oil transit from Russia through the Druzhba pipeline. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry informed Budapest of the damage to the pipeline from Russian attacks on January 27, asserting that accusations of delays in oil supplies were unfounded.
Despite this, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto claimed during an EU Council meeting on February 23 that Russia had not attacked the pipeline infrastructure and alleged that Ukraine had halted transit due to internal political decisions. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry accused Szijjarto of making statements that favored Russia.
On February 23, EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the EU was not considering alternative options for the €90 billion loan, which Hungary continues to block. During the EU leaders’ summit on March 19 in Brussels, the Hungarian Prime Minister reiterated that Budapest would not support any EU decisions favoring Ukraine until Kyiv restored oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, including the unblocking of the €90 billion loan.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called for immediate action on sanctions against Russia, warning that any relaxation could jeopardize Euro-Atlantic security. He also urged the EU to unblock a €90 billion loan, currently stalled due to Hungarian opposition, stressing its importance for Ukraine's defense and regional stability.