European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Union has fulfilled its promise regarding a 90 billion euro loan program for Ukraine, and the first tranche of funding could arrive as early as this quarter. She made this statement during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Council President António Costa, as reported by UNN.
According to von der Leyen, today was an important day for both Ukraine and all of Europe.
Today is a good day for Ukraine and for Europe. In February, when I visited Kyiv, I said that we would secure the 90 billion euro loan one way or another. And today, we have fulfilled that promise.
The President of the European Commission emphasized that most of the preparatory work has already been completed, so the first funds can be allocated in the near future.
Most of the preparatory work has already been done. I think the first tranche of the 45 billion euros allocated for 2026 could arrive as early as this quarter.
She clarified that part of the funds will go to support Ukraine's budget, and the main part will be for defense.
We have agreed that one-third of the loan will be directed to budgetary needs, and two-thirds to defense.
Separately, she announced that the first defense package within the program could concern drones.
I think the first package will be a drone package – drones from Ukraine for Ukraine.
She also reminded that the European Union has agreed on a new sanctions package against Russia.
Today we also agreed on the 20th package of sanctions. In other words, the more Russia doubles down on its aggressive war, the more Europe doubles down on its support for Ukraine.
Von der Leyen stressed that Europe will continue to stand with Ukraine.
For us, this is fundamentally important because we are clearly determined to be on your side and on the side of the Ukrainian people. Today is a good day.
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