The European Union has officially sanctioned a substantial 90-billion-euro loan package to Ukraine and has introduced new sanctions targeting Russia. This development comes just ahead of an informal summit of EU leaders in Cyprus, which will be attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This financial assistance is designed to meet approximately two-thirds of Ukraine’s financial requirements over the coming two years. Prior to the approval, economists cautioned that without the EU’s financial intervention by June, Ukraine would face severe financial shortfalls, potentially necessitating drastic reductions in public service funding.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed optimism, stating, “We are on our way to Cyprus with good news.”

She emphasized the EU’s commitment by saying, “As Russia intensifies its aggression, we are amplifying our support for the courageous Ukrainian people, enabling them to defend their nation while exerting pressure on Russia’s wartime economy.”

The loan and sanctions package received backing from EU ambassadors after Hungary withdrew its previous opposition, clearing the path for Thursday’s formal endorsement.

Throwing Ukraine a lifeline

EU ambassadors had already approved the loan and the sanctions package on Wednesday after Hungary lifted its veto, paving the way for Thursday’s formal approval.

“This package will strengthen our army, make Ukraine more resilient, and enable us to fulfill our social obligations to Ukrainians, as set out in law,” Zelensky said on X as he arrived in Cyprus, where he will have dinner with the EU leaders.

“During meetings in Cyprus, we will also discuss with partners further sanctions pressure on Russia over this war. The 20th package has been unblocked, and it must be followed by other sanctions steps.”

Only half of the 90 billion euros will be disbursed to Ukraine this year, with the remainder coming in ​2027.

The bulk of the loan is earmarked for military spending, with around 17 billion euros each year destined for general budget needs such as health and education.

The approval of the loan, which had been delayed by several months due to a veto by EU member Hungary, throws Kyiv a lifeline, averting deep cuts to public services, but the country may need more money to meet its military needs this year, economists and officials said.

EU to discuss Iran war, energy costs

No formal decisions will be taken at the Cyprus summit, during which EU leaders will also discuss the war in the Middle East, energy measures in response and the EU’s next long-term budget.

They will be joined by leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Gulf Cooperation Council for lunch on Friday.

The European Commission set out plans on Wednesday to cut electricity taxes and coordinate the summer refill of countries’ gas storage, as it seeks to cushion the energy fallout from the Iran war.

The published plans show the EU will, for now, avoid major market interventions such as capping gas prices or taxing energy companies’ windfall profits – measures it used in 2022 when Russia cut gas supplies and prices hit record highs.