Ukraine Says EU Loan Likely Starts in Early June

2026-05-18

Ukraine's Finance Minister Marchenko said on the 18th that he expects the European Union's interest-free loan to begin in early June. The goal is to receive a total of 90 billion euros (about 16.6 trillion yen) by 2027 and avoid funding shortfalls needed for the war with Russia.

Explained at G7 Finance Meeting

He told reporters after attending the Group of Seven (G7) finance ministers and central bank governors meeting, which began in Paris on the 18th. The G7 countries also discussed the situation in Ukraine that day.

Calls for stronger sanctions

Marchenko said of the EU loan that "all necessary procedures are in the final stages of coordination, and it should be finalized in early June." He argued that pressure on Russia needs to be increased through additional sanctions. He added that Ukraine will focus on destroying Russia's oil refineries and infrastructure facilities used to boost its military capabilities.

IMF estimates 135 billion euros needed

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ukraine will need 135 billion euros in financial support over the next two years. It plans to cover two-thirds of that with support from the EU. There were concerns that if the EU loan were delayed, it could become difficult to continue the war by the end of June.

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