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Ukraine is expected to receive a €90 billion loan from the European Union, even if Hungary and Slovakia continue to block the funding, according to Politico.
Two European diplomats told the publication that EU leaders will meet next week at a summit in Brussels to try to convince Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico to honor their earlier commitment to approve the loan.
The package is intended to cover about two-thirds of Ukraine’s financial needs through the end of 2027 as the country continues to defend itself against Russia.
However, if the two leaders refuse to change their position, Baltic and Nordic countries have a backup plan to help keep Ukraine financially afloat during the first half of the year. The plan involves around €30 billion in bilateral loans, which would not require EU-wide approval.
Separately, the Dutch finance minister Eelco Heinen said the Netherlands is ready to provide €3.5 billion per year in bilateral support to Ukraine until 2029.
Background of the dispute
The €90 billion loan was agreed by the European Council in Brussels on December 18, 2025, and later presented by the European Commission on January 14, 2026.
But Hungary, led by Orbán, has been blocking the macro-financial assistance, demanding the restoration of Russian energy supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.
Fico has also threatened to veto the package unless inspectors are allowed to examine the damaged Druzhba pipeline.
Because of the ongoing dispute, Kyiv could face a funding gap as early as this spring if the financial package remains blocked.
