Von der Leyen discusses stalled loan for Ukraine with Zelenskyy
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has spoken with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about stalled EU decisions on a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and a 20th sanctions package against Russia.
Source: European Commission press service; von der Leyen on X (Twitter); European Pravda
Details: The leaders focused on "shared priorities" of quickly completing the approval process for the Ukraine Support Loan and the 20th sanctions package against Russia.
They also discussed the "wider impact" of recent events in the Middle East on energy security, energy prices and the availability of interceptor missiles for air defence systems. These missiles are now in high demand not only in Ukraine but also among US allies in the Persian Gulf after Iranian strikes.
Background:
- The EU had planned to approve the 20th sanctions package by the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. However, Hungary blocked the decision and also hindered the allocation of a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.
- Slovakia, meanwhile, raised concerns that adopting the 20th sanctions package "could disrupt peace talks" with Russia.
- Nevertheless, von der Leyen said she is confident EU member states will adopt the 20th sanctions package against Russia despite Hungary and Slovakia currently blocking its adoption.
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