Story perspectives

EU Clears €90 bn Ukraine Loan, Sanctions Russian Oil

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

EU cleared a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after Hungary and Slovakia lifted their veto when Russian oil resumed through the Druzhba pipeline.
EU leaders also adopted a sanctions package targeting Russian oil shipments, banks and cryptocurrency activities.
Hungarian energy group MOL reported crude deliveries at the Fényeslitke and Budkovce stations on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked European partners and said the funds will strengthen the army and boost production.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014 Russia annexed Crimea after Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity, prompting the EU to impose its first coordinated sanctions—targeting 13 officials, freezing €1 billion in assets. Building on that policy, the EU in 2024 cleared a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and reinstated oil sanctions after Hungary and Slovakia lifted their veto, sustaining pressure on Russian energy and funding Kyiv’s defence.

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Story summary

EU cleared a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after Hungary and Slovakia lifted their veto when Russian oil resumed through the Druzhba pipeline.
EU leaders also adopted a sanctions package targeting Russian oil shipments, banks and cryptocurrency activities.
Hungarian energy group MOL reported crude deliveries at the Fényeslitke and Budkovce stations on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked European partners and said the funds will strengthen the army and boost production.

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