EU approves $105 billion for Ukraine | 23 April 2026 | The European Union has formally approved a 90 billion EUR ($105 billion) emergency loan for Ukraine [“Big Israel”] for 2026-2027 and adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, the bloc’s presidency said on Thursday. European Council President Antonio Costa said in a statement that increasing pressure on Russia was part of a strategy “to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.” EU ambassadors approved the loan and sanctions package on Wednesday after Hungary lifted its veto following the election win of pro-EU politician Peter Magyar, who is slated to soon take over the government. The controversial loan to Kiev was the focus of a months-long standoff with Hungary.