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Published on Reflecto News | World News | Economy & Geopolitics
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed strong confidence that the European Union will soon release a €90 billion support loan for Ukraine, following the electoral defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had long blocked the vital financial package. Speaking during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, Zelensky tied the expected release to the repair of the Druzhba oil pipeline, a key Hungarian demand .
“Regarding the oil pipeline, as we promised, it will be repaired by the end of April… We strongly hope this will coincide with other obligations of European Union countries, primarily Hungary, which have been blocking certain important decisions for us.” — President Volodymyr Zelensky
The Loan and the Obstruction
The €90 billion loan, agreed to in principle by EU leaders in December 2025, is designed to cover two-thirds of Ukraine’s total financing needs for 2026 and 2027, covering budget support and urgent defense procurement, including drones, missiles, and ammunition .
However, Hungary—under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—had consistently blocked the package. Orbán linked the release of funds to Ukraine resuming oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged in a Russian attack in late January .
Political Shift in Budapest
The political landscape changed dramatically on April 12, 2026, when Orbán’s Fidesz party lost the parliamentary elections. The incoming Prime Minister, Péter Magyar of the Tisza party, has signaled a significant shift in Budapest’s stance toward Kyiv .
Speaking to reporters after his victory, Magyar expressed confusion about the blockade, noting that Hungary has negotiated an opt-out, meaning it is not financially liable for repaying the loan . This removes Orbán’s primary stated objection.
“I will discuss it with European leaders. But personally, I agree that Hungary should opt out.” — Péter Magyar, Incoming Hungarian Prime Minister
Bureaucratic Hurdles Remain
Despite the political breakthrough, officials in Brussels caution that the money will not arrive immediately. Multiple procedural steps remain:
| Required Step | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Financing Strategy | Adopted by the Commission |
| Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) | Under negotiation with Kyiv |
| Updated “Ukraine Plan” | Required for budget support under the Ukraine Facility |
| Loan Agreement | Still to be drafted |
| Council Approval | Member states must sign off |
The European Commission expects the first tranche to be disbursed by the end of the second quarter of 2026 (June 30) .
“We remain committed to making the first disbursement as part of this package in the course of the second semester of this year.” — Balázs Ujvári, European Commission Spokesperson
The Druzhba Factor
Zelensky directly linked the financial aid to the technical repair of the Druzhba pipeline. He confirmed the repairs will be completed by the end of April, noting: “Not completely, but enough to function” .
For Orbán, this was the central condition. It now appears that Ukraine has moved to meet this technical demand just as the political obstruction in Budapest has evaporated .
Slovakia: The Next Potential Hurdle?
Even if Hungary lifts its veto, EU officials warn that Slovakia could emerge as a new obstacle. Prime Minister Robert Fico has previously stated that Bratislava is “ready to take over the baton from Hungary, if necessary,” using the same Druzhba oil issue as leverage .
What Comes Next
Zelensky is moving quickly to capitalize on the political goodwill following Orbán’s defeat. He has already reached out to Prime Minister-elect Magyar, stating he is ready for a meeting “whenever the new prime minister is ready.”
While the bureaucratic machinery of the EU may take weeks to finalize the legal documents, the removal of Hungary’s veto signals the end of the most significant political blockade. Ukraine now expects the funds to start flowing by mid-2026, securing its economic and military position for the remainder of the war.
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