EU Formally Approves €90bn Ukraine Loan and 20th Sanctions Package against Russia

THE GUARDIAN: Ursula von der Leyen hails ‘good news’ after Hungary’s lifting of vetoes allows leaders to sign off on agreements

Screenshot taken from this Guardian article. | António Costa, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
EU leaders have welcomed the end of diplomatic deadlock over a long-awaited €90bn (£78bn) loan for Ukraine, after the bloc completed the agreement along with a 20th sanctions package against Russia.

After weeks of delay, the EU signed off on the loan on Thursday, in time for a summit in Cyprus that began in the evening and will include talks over a dinner with the Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media: “We are on our way to Cyprus with good news.” The European Commission president welcomed both agreements, finalised after Hungary lifted its veto.

Von der Leyen said: “While Russia doubles down on its aggression, we are doubling down on our support to the brave Ukrainian nation, enabling Ukraine to defend itself and putting pressure on Russia’s war economy.” » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Thursday, April 23, 2026