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EU approves Ukraine loan, 20th Russia sanctions package

23.04.2026 18:30
The European Union on Thursday formally approved a EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine and a new package of sanctions against Russia, the bloc's 20th since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
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The decision was announced ahead of an informal summit of EU leaders in Cyprus, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was expected to attend.

"We are on our way to Cyprus with good news," European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said on X.

"While Russia doubles down on its aggression, we are doubling down on our support to the brave Ukrainian nation, enabling Ukraine to defend itself and putting pressure on Russia’s war economy," she added.

The move follows approval by EU ambassadors on Wednesday after Hungary lifted its veto, clearing the way for formal adoption.

The loan package, agreed last year, is intended to support Ukraine’s finances through 2026 and 2027.

"This package will strengthen our army, make Ukraine more resilient and enable us to fulfill our social obligations," Zelensky said on X, urging "further sanctions pressure on Russia."

He added that the EU's 20th sanctions package "must be followed by other steps."

About half of the EUR 90 billion is expected to be disbursed this year, with the remainder to follow in 2027, the Reuters news agency reported.

A large share of the funds is earmarked for military spending, it said, while about EUR 17 billion per year is expected to support general budget needs such as healthcare and education.

(gs)

Source: Reuters, IAR, PAP