EU set to sign off €90bn loan for Ukraine and fresh Russia sanctions – Europe live
TL;DR
EU leaders are expected to finalize a €90bn loan for Ukraine and a new sanctions package against Russia after delays caused by Hungary. The decision is undergoing a formal procedure and is anticipated to be completed soon.
Key points
- EU leaders meeting in Cyprus to discuss budget and Ukraine support
- €90bn loan for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia expected to be approved
- Delays caused by Hungary's Viktor Orbán have been resolved
Mentioned in this story
EU leaders are set to meet in Cyprus this evening to discuss the latest on the Middle East and the next EU budget, starting in 2028.
A person walks past a logo of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 ahead of a summit of the European Union leaders and regional partners in Nicosia. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters
But it looks like they will have a bit of a detour – and a reason to celebrate, too – as the long-awaited €90bn loan for Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia are on course to be unblocked after four months of delays caused by Hungary’s Viktor Orbán.
After securing political agreement yesterday, the decision is now going through a formal written procedure, which is set to be completed by 1pm Brussels time.
Hungary and Slovakia have made it clear that they will no longer block the two measures if Russian oil deliveries restart through the Druzhba pipeline, and Slovakia’s economy minister Denisa Saková said that the flow has resumed overnight. A similar confirmation is expected from Hungary soon.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to join the EU leaders in Cyprus in person to mark this milestone.
In sharp contrast, the bloc’s disrupter in chief, Orbán, will skip what would be his last EU summit (for now), losing the status of the longest-serving member of the European Council (15 years, 327 days) to Poland’s Donald Tusk (14 years, 73 days).
Separately, I will keep an eye on Prince Harry’s unexpected visit to Kyiv, and EU commissioner Maroš Šefčovič’s talks in the US on trade.
I will bring you all the key updates here.
It’s Thursday, 23 April 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
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Q&A
What is the purpose of the €90bn loan for Ukraine?
The €90bn loan for Ukraine aims to provide financial support amid ongoing challenges due to the conflict with Russia.
What sanctions are included in the EU's 20th package against Russia?
The 20th package of sanctions against Russia includes measures aimed at further restricting economic ties and addressing military support.
Why were there delays in approving the loan and sanctions?
Delays in approving the loan and sanctions were primarily caused by political disagreements involving Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
