EU Unlocks €90 Billion Loan for Ukraine and New Sanctions on Russia, Pushes for Ukraine Accession After Orbán’s Defeat

The European Union formally approved on Thursday a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and a new package of sanctions against Russia, clearing the way for financial support to Kyiv as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The loan, which had been blocked for months by Hungary’s veto, received final approval from all 27 EU member states following the electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán and the subsequent commitment by Hungary’s incoming government not to obstruct the process.

EU envoys had paved the way for the loan’s approval after several months of delay, with the Cypriot EU presidency confirming that final endorsement would be given by all bloc members on Thursday.

The €90 billion loan aims to assist Ukraine with its most urgent economic and military needs in 2026 and 2027, providing critical funding for budgetary and defence requirements as Kyiv resists Russian forces.

In addition to the loan, EU countries agreed to the bloc’s 20th package of sanctions on Russia, which had also been delayed by the dispute with Hungary. The sanctions package aims to curb the Russian economy and reduce Moscow’s ability to finance its invasion.

The decision comes amid ongoing tensions over the Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukraine and had been a point of contention, with Hungary and Slovakia accusing Kyiv of delaying repairs—a claim Ukraine has denied.

With the loan and sanctions now approved, EU leaders are urging progress on Ukraine’s path to EU membership, calling for the opening of negotiations to advance the country’s accession process, although no date has been set for such talks to begin.