WSJ: €90 billion from the EU may not cover all of Kyiv's needs

The Wall Street Journal reports that the European Union may be forced to reconsider funding for Ukraine as early as next year. According to diplomats, Kyiv will need an additional €19 billion to cover budgetary needs.

The European Union may have to reconsider financial support for Ukraine as early as next year, despite the recent approval by the EU Council of a €90 billion loan. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal on Friday, April 24, although it was previously assumed that the funding issue would not arise until 2028.

This loan from the EU was intended to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's budgetary and defense needs for the current and next years. Meanwhile, Japan and several Western countries, including the United Kingdom, are discussing providing Kyiv with about €45 billion by the end of 2027, but these agreements have not yet been finalized, WSJ clarifies.

WSJ: Kyiv needs an additional €19 billion

According to diplomatic sources, Ukraine's funding deficit for next year has significantly increased since the planning of the loan began. Kyiv will need an additional €19 billion to cover budgetary needs in 2027.

The publication notes that the situation is exacerbated by multiple factors, including the crisis in relations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and rising energy prices due to the conflict in Iran.

EU Council approved loan for Kyiv

On April 23, the EU Council officially approved the loan for Ukraine and also adopted the 20th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. Both decisions were unanimously approved under a written procedure, as reported by the Permanent Representation of Cyprus, which holds the EU presidency.

Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos stated: "Today, the Council approved the final element necessary for the allocation of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. The Cypriot presidency has worked tirelessly to ensure that all necessary elements for providing the loan are in place."

According to the minister, loan disbursements will begin "as soon as possible to provide vital support for Ukraine's most pressing budgetary needs." He also emphasized: "The EU remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Hungary lifted veto after change of government

The €90 billion loan intended for Ukraine for 2026-2027 was agreed upon back in December 2025, but had long been blocked by the outgoing government of Hungary. Ukraine has been resisting full-scale military aggression from the Russian Federation for five years now.

After the parliamentary elections in Hungary, the leader of the winning opposition party "Tisza," Peter Madjar, promised not to obstruct the allocation of the loan to Ukraine. He also clarified that Budapest does not plan to participate in direct financing.

European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis stated on April 21 that Brussels expects the first tranche to be disbursed by the end of May or early June.