US senators push for $600 million in security aid to be sent to Ukraine and other European allies, citing delays by the Department of Defense
The EU Council has completed approval of €90 billion in funding for Ukraine for 2026-2027 and the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions at the ministerial level. EU Council President Antonio Costa announced the milestone on X, stating the funding will provide financial and military support to Ukraine while increasing pressure on Russia. Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos confirmed loan disbursements will begin as soon as possible.
The EU Council has declared that weapons orders under a 90-billion-euro funding package for Ukraine must be placed exclusively with defense industries of the EU, Ukraine, or countries with special agreements with the European Commission. Of the total, 30 billion euros will go to macroeconomic support while 60 billion will fund Ukraine's defense industrial capacities, including procurement of defense products. Third countries must either conclude a bilateral agreement under the SAFE regulation or demonstrate fulfillment of specific conditions.
Hungary and Slovakia lifted their veto on the EU's 90 billion euro funding plan for Ukraine for 2026-2027 but confirmed they will not participate in the program, a European diplomatic source told TASS. EU Permanent Representatives approved the financing and the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions following the veto lift.
