The European Union has not yet finalized the procedure to unblock the unprecedented €90 billion macro-financial loan for Ukraine, despite recent media reports claiming the deal is done. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clarified the situation during an online meeting with journalists, according to the Office of the President of Ukraine. The final approval by the Council of the European Union is expected to take place in the coming days.
“The relevant procedure began today. Undoubtedly, the results can only be expected tomorrow. Tomorrow, the procedure for these discussions and decisions will be completed,” the Head of State emphasized. Zelensky also added that highly constructive and substantive conversations are currently ongoing between European partners and the Ukrainian side. The definitive voting results are anticipated on Thursday, April 23.
This clarification comes after several European and Ukrainian media outlets falsely reported that the financial package had been fully approved. These rumors likely stemmed from the fact that earlier, EU ambassadors gave the green light for the funds. However, the allocation of such a massive loan requires further ratification steps at the highest political levels across all member states. The €90 billion credit line is a critical lifeline for maintaining Ukraine’s macro-financial stability in 2026. These funds are designated to cover the state budget deficit, ensure timely social payments, pensions, and salaries for essential workers, as well as finance large-scale postwar recovery programs for the country’s battered infrastructure.
Meanwhile, apart from complex diplomatic and financial negotiations, Ukraine continues to prove its reliability as a key energy transit partner for Europe. According to government sources, Ukrainian specialists have successfully completed extensive repair works on a severely damaged section of the Druzhba oil pipeline. This strategic pipeline suffered significant destruction following a targeted Russian missile strike aimed at destabilizing the European energy market and causing regional shortages.
Thanks to the rapid and highly professional response of Ukrainian repair crews, the pipeline’s operational capacity was fully restored in record time. Officials in Bratislava have already confirmed that Ukraine has restarted pumping oil through the Druzhba pipeline network. According to the Slovak government’s statements, transit oil is expected to reach Slovak refineries and consumers as early as tomorrow. This development is crucial for maintaining the energy security of Central Europe, a region that still relies heavily on this traditional supply route.
The swift restoration of critical energy infrastructure amid persistent wartime threats highlights Ukraine’s broader strategy of national resilience. Despite ongoing hostilities, the state manages to balance defense priorities with its international transit obligations. The resumption of oil transit, coupled with the anticipated unblocking of the vital European macro-financial funds, demonstrates Ukraine’s enduring capacity to effectively overcome monumental challenges while maintaining strong and dependable ties with its international allies.