EU member states have approved the United Kingdom's participation in the Ukraine support loan – the EU’s EUR 90 billion framework to help cover Ukraine’s most urgent needs in 2026 and 2027 as it continues to fight Russia’s war of aggression.

The Council of the European Union announced the decision, according to Ukrinform.

Under the arrangement, Ukraine will be able to use loan financing to procure crucial defense products made by UK-based industries, in addition to the existing framework for EU and EEA-EFTA countries and other approved third countries.

The loan makes EUR 60 billion available for Ukraine to invest in defense industrial capacities, including procurement of defense products. EUR 30 billion is being made available to Ukraine as direct economic and budgetary support.

The contribution agreement between the EU and the UK was signed on July 13.

The UK's participation is possible because it meets the three conditions for third-country involvement set out in EU regulations. The UK has committed to provide a fair and proportionate financial contribution to the costs arising from borrowing, has entered into a security and defense partnership with the Union, and is already providing significant financial and military support to Ukraine.

"EU solidarity with Ukraine is a key priority of the Irish Presidency. Today’s approval reflects the EU and the UK’s shared commitment to support Ukraine as long as it takes to bring Russia's illegal war of aggression to an end and secure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," said Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee.

The Council of the European Union is expected to formally approve the UK's participation in the loan in the coming days through a written procedure. The decision will enter into force on the day it is published in the EU’s official journal.

As previously reported, on April 23, the Council of the European Union approved a EUR 90 billion financial assistance package for Ukraine covering 2026–2027. Amendments to the EU's long-term financial framework removed the final legal obstacle to providing the loan. The financing is expected to become a key instrument for ensuring Ukraine's macro-financial stability and supporting its critical infrastructure.

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