Slovakia is not opposed to a loan to Ukraine of 90 billion euros but may block the 20th sanctions package against the Russian Federation

Slovakia has declared its readiness not to obstruct the provision of a 90 billion euro EU loan to Ukraine, but at the same time may block a new package of sanctions against Russia. This was reported by Dennik N.

The EU loan to Ukraine: Slovakia's position

Slovakia's Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar stated that Bratislava will not oppose financial assistance to Ukraine. This concerns a loan from the European Union amounting to 90 billion euros.

He emphasized the change in the political situation in Hungary after the elections, which may facilitate the unblocking of funding. Earlier, this process was slowed down by Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The European Commission expects that Ukraine will receive the first tranche of assistance already in the second quarter of 2026.

Sanctions against Russia: why Slovakia threatens to block

At the same time, Slovakia has expressed its readiness to block the 20th EU sanctions package against the Russian Federation. According to Blanar, the country insists on receiving clear guarantees regarding the resumption of operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Key conditions of Bratislava's position:

• sanctions should not harm the country's economic interests

• necessary guarantees of stable oil supplies

• transparent mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of decisions are needed.

Earlier, the Slovak government had already stated that it would support sanctions only if they were safe for the national economy.

It should be noted that according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline may be restored by the end of April after previous attacks.

The European Commission proposes to distribute the loan to Ukraine as follows:

• 45 billion euros — in 2026

• 16.7 billion euros — for budgetary needs

• 28.3 billion euros — for defense and weapons production.

It is expected that part of the funds from the first tranche will be allocated for the purchase of Ukrainian drones.