EU, Ukraine leaders welcome €90bln support loan, new sanctions package, accession progress

President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday held a trilateral meeting in Lefkosia ahead of the informal meeting of EU Heads of State or Government.

In a joint statement, the leaders welcomed the adoption of a €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, following the European Council’s December decision to provide financial assistance for 2026 and 2027. The loan, adopted by co-legislators on 23 April, is intended to help Ukraine meet urgent budgetary and defence needs amid ongoing Russian attacks. The leaders stressed the importance of its swift implementation and expressed expectation that the first disbursement will take place in the second quarter. They also called on third countries to help close remaining financing gaps.

The leaders also welcomed the adoption of the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia. The measures are aimed at reducing Russia’s energy revenues, limiting its banking sector operations and restricting activities linked to the so-called shadow fleet. The statement underlined the need to maintain pressure on Russia to end its military aggression and engage in meaningful peace negotiations.

On Ukraine’s EU accession process, the leaders noted significant progress and called for the immediate opening of negotiation clusters. They also welcomed recent legislative steps by the Ukrainian parliament that will unlock additional funding under the Ukraine Facility, highlighting continued reform progress under wartime conditions.

The statement reaffirmed the EU’s commitment, together with international partners, to support Ukraine in repairing and rebuilding its energy infrastructure and strengthening its energy system ahead of winter. The leaders also highlighted nuclear safety concerns, marking the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster and called on Russia to cease attacks and occupation of nuclear facilities in Ukraine.

Finally, they welcomed the announcement of a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-hosted by the EU, Ukraine and Canada, scheduled for 11 May in Brussels.