The EU is working on adopting a 20th package of sanctions against Russia – Kallas
The European Union and its member states are working to finalise the 20th package of sanctions against Russia and the issue of financial support for Ukraine. This was stated by the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, during her visit to Bucha.
“Yes, we do face some obstacles regarding the 20th sanctions package, as well as regarding the loan disbursement. Work to overcome them is ongoing, but unfortunately, I cannot report any good news today. We are still working on it, and we hope to reach a decision at the next European Council,” said Kallas.
According to her, the European Union also expects to adopt a decision to grant Ukraine a loan of 90 billion euros. At the same time, the process is complicated by existing differences among member states.
Earlier, EU foreign ministers were unable to reach agreement on the 20th package of sanctions during the EU Council meeting on 23 February. On the eve of this, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the Hungarian government would block the sanctions until the resumption of Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline.
It is also reported that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico raised the possibility of blocking a loan to Ukraine, though he did not specify any concrete conditions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that a delay in the allocation of funds could affect the preparation of the energy system and the protection of critical infrastructure ahead of the coming winter.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine would receive €90 billion despite Hungary’s objections. According to her, the relevant decision was adopted in December 2025 on the condition that Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic would not participate in the loan.
Kaja Kallas arrived in Kyiv alongside EU ministers on 31 March to pay tribute to the victims of the Russian occupation in Bucha.
