E.U. approves a $106 billion loan package to help Ukraine after Hungary lifts its veto

Source: NBC News/AP

April 24, 2026, 4:50 AM EDT


BRUSSELS — The European Union on Thursday approved a 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) loan package to help Ukraine meet its economic and military needs for two years after oil began flowing through a key pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia, ending months of political deadlock.

The E.U. also approved a new raft of sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine. The measures were prepared early this year and had been set to be announced in February to mark the fourth anniversary of the conflict, but Hungary and Slovakia opposed the move.

Hungary and Slovakia have been locked in a feud with Ukraine since Russian oil deliveries to the two E.U. countries were halted in January after a pipeline was damaged. Ukrainian officials blamed the damage on Russian drone attacks. Both countries confirmed Thursday that deliveries have resumed.

Ukraine desperately needs the loan package to prop up its war-ravaged economy and help keep Russian forces at bay. Hungary angered its E.U. partners by reneging on a December deal to provide the funds. The loans are expected to be available in coming weeks and months.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/ukraine/eu-approves-106-billion-loan-package-help-ukraine-hungary-lifts-veto-rcna341834