The European Union has approved a €90 billion support package for Ukraine and adopted its 20th sanctions package against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on April 23, describing both decisions as a major step for Ukraine’s defense and ties with the bloc.
The decision follows months of internal EU disputes that had held up both the macro-financial package and new restrictions on Russia, as Kyiv pushed for sustained support amid the ongoing full-scale war.
“Today is an important day for our defense and for our relations with the European Union,” Zelenskyy said, confirming that long-delayed measures on financial aid and sanctions had been unblocked.
First tranche targeted for May or June
Zelenskyy said the €90 billion package, covering two years, will strengthen Ukraine’s military, support its budget, and help the government meet social obligations. He noted that Ukraine is working to ensure the first tranche of funding becomes available in May or June.
According to the president, the funds will be directed toward domestic weapons production, procurement of arms from partners that Ukraine cannot yet manufacture, and preparations to protect energy infrastructure ahead of winter, as Russia continues to target critical systems.
The package is financed through EU borrowing on capital markets and backed by the bloc’s budget, with repayment mechanisms linked in part to proceeds from frozen Russian sovereign assets held in Europe.
20th sanctions package "should not be the last"
On sanctions, Zelenskyy said the EU’s 20th package should not be the last, calling for further pressure on Moscow over its invasion. He added that Ukraine will continue discussions with partners on new cooperation formats, including joint defense initiatives referred to as “Drone Deals.”
Hungary and Slovakia drop their vetoes
The breakthrough comes after Hungary and Slovakia dropped their vetoes, which had delayed both the financial package and sanctions. The blockage was tied to disputes over the transit of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline, a key supply route for Central Europe.
Ahead of the EU summit, Zelenskyy had identified unlocking the €90 billion loan and advancing the sanctions package as top priorities, alongside progress on Ukraine’s accession talks with the bloc.
€90 billion covers two-thirds of Ukraine's 2026–27 budget gap
The €90 billion package is expected to cover roughly two-thirds of Ukraine’s projected budget gap for 2026–2027, underscoring its role in maintaining state functions and financing the war effort. Nearly half of Ukraine’s budget relies on external funding, with domestic revenues largely directed toward defense spending.
The funding is also tied to broader international support frameworks, with EU disbursement seen as a prerequisite for unlocking additional financial assistance, including programs coordinated with the International Monetary Fund.
