Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the delay in the European Union’s provision of a €90 billion loan creates significant risks for the country’s preparation for the winter season. He made this statement during a joint press conference with the acting Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Andrey Gyurov.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Winter Preparation at Risk
According to Zelensky, Ukraine has not yet received the announced €90 billion from the EU; however, the state currently has sufficient funds for salary payments, military financing, and pensions. At the same time, the president pointed out that the main danger is related to the preparation for the heating season.
“The biggest risks are in winter preparation. Because there is a global plan to protect energy and water supply. A plan that is designed to ensure that by the end of winter we complete at least the physical protection, as well as various formats of air defense. The total amount is $5.1 billion,” he said, adding that Kyiv had expected that a larger portion of this amount would be covered by the EU loan.
Zelensky also stressed that due to the delay in the loan, there is a risk of not being able to implement all necessary measures before the cold weather begins. According to him, all plans for preparation were adopted in March, and the start of work was scheduled for April. However, due to the lack of funding, a mass mobilization for these works is impossible, and the authorities are currently seeking additional sources of financing.
EU’s Position and Blocking of Financial Aid
The president specifically noted that the decision regarding the first tranche of €45 billion must be made by the leaders of European states. He emphasized the importance of consolidated support for Ukraine from the EU, noting that despite numerous statements of solidarity, financial assistance remains blocked.
In December 2025, EU countries agreed to provide Ukraine with a support loan of €90 billion, intended for 2026–2027. The first tranche was supposed to be transferred at the beginning of April, but EU leaders were unable to finalize this decision at the summit on March 19 due to a blockade by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Despite criticism from European partners, Orban insists on the resumption of Russian oil transportation through the Druzhba pipeline as a condition for unblocking the loan.
At the same time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU intends to uphold its commitments to support Ukraine, despite temporary difficulties in decision-making.