Ukraine Secures €90 Billion EU Loan for Defense Spending

Ukraine's parliament approved a €90 billion loan agreement with the European Union, with a vote of 298 in favor and 226 against. This decision follows Hungary lifting its veto at the end of the month, allowing the agreement to proceed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to lawmakers and European partners for their support. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the loan's final approval last month.

The Ukrainian government anticipates receiving €3.2 billion in the next month, with a total of €45 billion planned for the year and the remaining €45 billion allocated until 2027. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko noted that the parliament's preliminary approval included amendments to the 2026 state budget to reflect increased international financial aid.

The government plans to allocate €31.8 billion from the EU loan for defense efforts and €13.2 billion to cover budget gaps, raising Ukraine's overall defense spending to a record €100 billion for the year.