Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky with Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten, The Hague, April 16, 2026

Thursday’s Coverage: Russia Murders 17+, Injures 98 In Mass Strikes

The European Union will begin releasing its €90 billion loan to Ukraine by the end of June.

The loan will fund Kyiv’s military and financial needs through 2027.

EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said, at the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, “Our support for Ukraine, also continued pressure and sanctions against aggressor Russia was very much part of the agenda.”

The EU approved the loan in December. However, it was held up by Hungary, led by Vladimir Putin’s ally Viktor Orbán.

The obstacle was removed in Sunday’s Hungarian elections, when Orbán’s 16-year rule was ended. Incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Budapest, which is not required to contribute to the loan, will no longer stand in the way.

The EU is also preparing its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which had been blocked by Orbán.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said “it is high time to…move forward”. The Foreign Affairs Council will take this the issue next week.

Slovakia continues to oppose the package. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said Bratislava is prepared to use its veto unless it receives assurances regarding the restoration of the Druzhba oil pipeline, closed in late January by Russian strikes on western Ukraine.

“We have no other tools than to force Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, together with the European Commission, to launch the Druzhba pipeline,” Blanar said.

An EU official said it remains to be seen whether Slovakia will maintain its position when national ambassadors meet on Friday.

Zelensky in Netherlands

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Netherlands on Thursday, meeting Prime Minister Rob Jetten and confirming an agreement on joint drone production.

Ukraine proposed to the Netherlands a format for a special agreement on security partnership – our Drone Deal. And this is not only about drones as such, but also about the comprehensive development of all air defense capabilities – protection against missiles and drones, the development of electronic warfare, and our joint weapons production.

Earlier this week, the UK confirmed that it is sending 120,000 drones to Ukraine this year. Spain and Belgium pledged €2 billion in military support amid defense cooperation agreements.