Kallas: Work underway to overcome obstacles to adopting 20th sanctions package, disbursing EUR 90 bln loan

The EU is working to overcome obstacles to the approval of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia and to the allocation of a EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine at the next meeting of the European Council, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has said.

As reported by an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, she told journalists this in Ukraine on Tuesday.

Kallas said that there were certain obstacles to adopting the 20th sanctions package, as well as to the disbursement of the loan. She added that work was underway to overcome those obstacles, but that she unfortunately could not provide any good news at present. Kallas said that work therefore continued and expressed hope that the decision would be secured at the next meeting of the European Council.

The next European Council meeting is scheduled for June 19 and 20, 2026.

Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced a visit to Kyiv on March 31 by the foreign ministers of European Union countries and EU's top diplomat Kallas.

Sybiha expressed hope that the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv would "bring more clarity" regarding the EUR 90 billion loan blocked by Hungary.

According to him, Ukraine expects the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv to result in a joint statement and discussions on support in the energy and defense sectors. Sybiha said Tuesday would be "a busy and important diplomatic day," with the visit of EU foreign ministers for a special off-site meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Ukraine.

He said the date of the meeting coincides with the symbolic anniversary linked to the tragedy in Bucha, which will provide another opportunity to show the world the scale of the crimes committed by Russian occupiers in Ukraine.

He said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would also meet with the foreign ministers.

Another focus of the meeting will be "the future accountability infrastructure, namely the special tribunal." "We very much hope that the number of states joining the agreement on the special tribunal will grow," Sybiha said.

Another focus of the meeting will be energy. In addition, military matters will be discussed: the front line, the battlefield situation, briefings from the military, and specific needs to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.