Ukraine may receive financial assistance from European Union countries to support its defense needs, even amid the blockade of a €90 billion loan by Hungary and Slovakia. According to European diplomats, a backup plan is currently being considered, which involves providing funds to Kyiv in the form of bilateral loans.
This is reported by Finway
Backup Financial Plan for Ukraine
Next week, a summit of EU leaders will take place in Brussels, where they will attempt to persuade Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to support the previously agreed loan package. This amount is crucial for two-thirds of Ukraine’s financial needs to continue resisting Russian aggression until the end of 2027.
In the event of continued blockage by Budapest and Bratislava, the Baltic and Northern European countries are already working on a scenario in which Ukraine could receive approximately €30 billion in the form of bilateral loans. These funds do not require approval at the EU level, allowing for prompt support for Ukraine in the first half of 2026.
“According to a source from the publication, the total amount being considered is €30 billion, which will be bilateral loans, so they will not require EU approval.”
Positions of Individual States and Risks for Ukraine
Dutch Finance Minister Elko Heinen reported that his government has already anticipated the possibility of providing Ukraine with €3.5 billion per year until 2029 as bilateral financial support. This further underscores the willingness of certain European states to support the Ukrainian economy and military during this critical period.
Currently, any EU state can veto the €90 billion package, even though a previous decision was made back in December. One of the bills regarding this loan requires consensus from all members of the bloc.
The €90 billion EU loan was agreed upon at the European Council in December 2025 and officially presented by the European Commission in January 2026. The planned funds are intended to cover two-thirds of Ukraine’s financial needs for 2026-2027.
Previously, the idea of individual financing was considered, but it was abandoned due to risks to EU unity. However, if the position of the Hungarian government remains unchanged, this format may become the only viable way to support Ukraine.
Ukraine expects to receive the first tranche of the agreed €90 billion in the spring of 2026. The Ukrainian government and the European Commission warn that without these funds, the financial situation will become critical for the state.