European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrives for a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on February 11, 2026. FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP
The EU parliament on Wednesday, February 11, approved a €90-billion loan for Ukraine, providing a financial lifeline to cash-strapped Kyiv four years into Russia's invasion. Lawmakers voted by 458 to 140 in favor of the loan, intended to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financial needs for 2026 and 2027 and backed by the EU's common budget – after plans to tap frozen Russian central bank assets fell by the wayside.
"Support for Ukraine rests on a small number of countries and most if it comes from Europe," centrist lawmaker Nathalie Loiseau said ahead of the vote. "It is our honor – and it's in our interest because our security is at stake," she said.
Under the scheme, Ukraine will be able to spend €60 billion of the loan on desperately-needed weapons to fight off Russia's invasion, with the rest earmarked for general budget support.
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