EU Approves €90 Billion for Ukraine and 20th Sanctions Package: Details of Zelenskyy’s Meeting with Costa and von der Leyen

Trilateral Meeting of Presidents

According to Главком: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a trilateral meeting with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During the meeting, a joint statement was released reaffirming the parties' support for Ukraine during a difficult time for the country. One of the key outcomes was the approval of a €90 billion loan, which was adopted by the European Council in December and will be provided for 2026 and 2027. This loan will cover Ukraine’s budgetary and defense needs, helping the country maintain resilience amid ongoing Russian attacks.

Key Decisions and Sanctions

In the joint statement, the presidents emphasized the importance of quickly implementing the loan and expressed expectations for the first tranche to be disbursed in the second quarter. They also called on other countries to help cover the remaining financial needs of Ukraine. Additionally, the meeting resulted in the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against the Russian Federation. These sanctions target:

• reducing Russia’s energy revenues,
• restricting its banking system,
• and curbing shadow fleet operations.

The presidents stressed the need to further increase pressure on Russia to cease its aggression and engage in constructive peace negotiations. They also praised Ukraine’s progress toward European Union membership and called for the swift opening of cluster negotiations. A significant step was the approval by Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada of necessary legislation to secure funding under the Ukraine Facility, signaling progress in the country’s reform efforts.

The presidents reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, in coordination with international partners, in the urgent restoration and reconstruction of its energy infrastructure. They also highlighted the importance of nuclear safety in Europe, calling on Russia to stop attacks on nuclear facilities in Ukraine.

This meeting demonstrates the continued active support of Ukraine by the European Union, especially in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy

At the end of the meeting, a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children was announced for May 11 in Brussels, co-organized by the EU, Ukraine, and Canada. This underscores the importance of international cooperation on matters concerning Ukrainian children.

The approval of this substantial loan and new sanctions against Russia are critical steps that could strengthen Ukraine’s economic and defense resilience. At the same time, efforts to bring back Ukrainian children highlight the humanitarian dimension of international support, which is crucial in the context of the war and its impact on the population. These measures demonstrate the unity of the international community in supporting Ukraine on its path to stability and security.

In addition to the significant financial support, President Zelenskyy has been actively engaging with other European leaders to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. For instance, during a recent meeting in Cyprus, he discussed further military aid and the implications of the €90 billion EU package. This ongoing dialogue underscores the urgency of international collaboration for Ukraine’s stability and security. To learn more about these discussions and their impact on Ukraine's defense strategy, read our detailed coverage on the recent meeting in Cyprus.