The new sanctions package is particularly aimed at further reducing Russia’s revenue from the sale of gas and oil.Image: AP
The EU has decided on new sanctions against Russia and cleared the way for a support loan worth around 83 billion francs for Ukraine.
April 23, 2026, 2:30 p.mApril 23, 2026, 2:30 p.m
A day after the end of the blockade of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the Cypriot EU Council Presidency announced the successful completion of the formal decision-making procedures for the two projects. This means that the new sanctions can be put into effect and the disbursement of the first loan amounts to Ukraine can be planned.
Money is particularly important for Ukraine. It is intended to enable the country to continue its defensive battle against Russian invading troops and protect it from bankruptcy. The new sanctions package is particularly aimed at further reducing Russia’s revenue from the sale of gas and oil.
In addition, further financial institutions are to be cut off from international payment transactions and additional trade restrictions are to be imposed. The package was blocked by Hungary and Slovakia.
In order to persuade Orban and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico to give up their vetoes, Ukraine allowed the Druzhba pipeline to resume operations on Tuesday. Through this, Russian oil is delivered via Ukrainian territory to Hungary and Slovakia. (sda/dpa)