EU Officially Approves 90 Billion Euro Loan to Ukraine and New Sanctions on Russia
The European Union formally approved a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine and a new round of economic sanctions against Russia after Hungary and Slovakia withdrew their objections.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 22:27
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 22:31 (3 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 23:40 (1h 8m after Collected)
BRUSSELS (AFP/CNA) — The European Union (EU) formally approved a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine today and passed a new round of sanctions against Russia, providing a significant boost for the Kyiv government.
Reports state that the measures were passed after the damaged 'Druzhba' oil pipeline was repaired and Ukraine resumed oil transfers, leading Hungary and Slovakia to drop their opposition. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas posted online: 'The deadlock is over. Russia's war economy is under more pressure, and Ukraine receives a major boost.'
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is set to step down after a major defeat in recent elections, had been blocking the loan to demand that Kyiv repair the pipeline delivering Russian oil to Hungary. With the loan approved, Brussels is expected to begin disbursements in the coming months, providing funds Ukraine urgently needs to fill budget gaps in its fourth year since the invasion.
Simultaneously, the 27 EU member states passed the 20th round of economic sanctions against Moscow since the war began, targeting Russia's energy, banking, and trade sectors. The sanctions are expected to further impact the 'shadow fleet' used to circumvent oil export limits and impose restrictions on Russian cryptocurrency traders.
Reports state that the measures were passed after the damaged 'Druzhba' oil pipeline was repaired and Ukraine resumed oil transfers, leading Hungary and Slovakia to drop their opposition. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas posted online: 'The deadlock is over. Russia's war economy is under more pressure, and Ukraine receives a major boost.'
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is set to step down after a major defeat in recent elections, had been blocking the loan to demand that Kyiv repair the pipeline delivering Russian oil to Hungary. With the loan approved, Brussels is expected to begin disbursements in the coming months, providing funds Ukraine urgently needs to fill budget gaps in its fourth year since the invasion.
Simultaneously, the 27 EU member states passed the 20th round of economic sanctions against Moscow since the war began, targeting Russia's energy, banking, and trade sectors. The sanctions are expected to further impact the 'shadow fleet' used to circumvent oil export limits and impose restrictions on Russian cryptocurrency traders.