The EU may provide Ukraine with the first tranche of the loan as early as this quarter
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that the first tranche of the €45 billion earmarked for 2026 could reach Ukraine as early as this quarter. She made this announcement during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Council President António Costa.
According to her, a third of the loan is planned to be allocated to budgetary needs, and two-thirds to defence. She also noted that the first package of defence support could involve drones. “We have agreed that one-third of the loan will go towards
budgetary needs, and two-thirds towards defence,” said Ursula von der Leyen. “I think the first package will be a package
of drones from Ukraine for Ukraine,” she added.
Von der Leyen also emphasised that the approval of a new, 20th package of sanctions against Russia demonstrates increased support for Ukraine. “This
is important to us, as we are firmly committed to standing by your side and by the side of the Ukrainian people,” she noted.
European Council President António Costa stated that the European Union had adopted two decisions to achieve a just and lasting peace. According to him, these involve strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities and increasing pressure on Russia.
“Today we have taken two extremely important steps towards achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The first is to strengthen Ukrainian forces and their ability to continue the fight,” he said.
Koshta also noted that the next step should be the opening of the first cluster of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. “Now is the time to look ahead and prepare the next step. And the next step is the opening
of the first cluster of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union,” he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the EU for its decision on the loan and sanctions. “We are very grateful for the significant progress made today with the
90-billion-euro support package and the sanctions package, which is also a strong signal,” he said.
According to him, Ukraine will work to ensure the funds are received as quickly as possible. He noted that the financial assistance will help strengthen defence capabilities and prepare for winter.
“We will work to ensure these funds are disbursed as quickly as possible. This is important to us,” said the President
.“This will strengthen our army, allow us to ramp up production, bolster our air defences, and do more to protect the energy grid during the winter,” he added.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed the implementation of EU decisions regarding support for Ukraine and the tightening of sanctions against Russia. The presidents welcomed the approval of a €90 billion loan for 2026 and 2027 and emphasised the importance of receiving the first tranche quickly in the second quarter.
The joint statement notes that the loan will help cover Ukraine’s budgetary and defence needs and contribute to maintaining the country’s resilience in the context of the war.
The parties also welcomed the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes restrictions in the energy sector, the banking sector and regarding the shadow fleet.
They separately emphasised the need for continued pressure on Russia to end its aggression and begin meaningful peace talks. The presidents also noted Ukraine’s progress towards EU accession and called for the opening of negotiation clusters.
