EU leaders discuss Ukraine support and sanctions in Cyprus

On April 23-24, 2026, European Union leaders gathered in Cyprus for an informal summit under the Cypriot Presidency. A key agenda item was a trilateral meeting between European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders confirmed the approval of a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine to cover budgetary and defense needs for 2026 and 2027, with the first disbursement expected in the second quarter. The council also formalized the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting its energy revenues and the 'shadow fleet'. EU officials emphasized that Ukraine is on a clear path to integration, with discussions underway to formally open accession negotiations. During the event, President Zelenskyy focused primarily on the ongoing war rather than local Cypriot issues when prompted by media. Several leaders, including those from Hungary and Austria, were not in attendance at the summit.