STORY: :: Zelenskiy says the EU's 90-billion-euro loan will strengthen Ukraine's army and help protect its energy system
:: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service
:: Ayia Napa, Cyprus / April 23, 2026
:: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukrainian President
"We have a strong and fundamental decision and it's a decision of all the leaders of the unanimity of EU. We are very thankful for the great progress today, the 90 billion support package and sanctions package, which is also a great signal." // "And we will work to make sure the funds are delivered as soon as possible. For us, it's important and this will strengthen, of course, our army, Ukrainian forces, and allow us to boost production by air defense and work more to protect our energy system for the winter."
:: Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President
"Today, we also agreed on the 20th sanctions package. So, in other words, the more Russia is doubling down on its war of aggression, the more Europe is doubling down on supporting Ukraine. That is important for us, because we are very clear about standing by your side and by the side of the Ukrainian people. Today is a good day."
Speaking alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, Zelenskiy said the funds would strengthen Ukraine's armed forces, boost air defense production and help protect the country's energy system ahead of next winter.
In their joint statement, the leaders said Ukraine should receive the first disbursement from the loan in the second quarter of 2026.
The loan is set to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's needs for the next two years. Economists had said Ukraine would start to run out of money by June if the EU loan was not disbursed by then, requiring deep cuts to public services.
