The European Union approves loans to Ukraine and passes a new round of sanctions against Russia

European Council President Costa stated on social media on the 23rd that the EU has approved a 9 billion euro loan to Ukraine and implemented the 20th round of sanctions against Russia. Costa said that the EU will strengthen Ukraine's capabilities and continue to pressure Russia. He said that this 9 billion euro loan will provide financial and military support to Ukraine from 2026 to 2027. According to the announcement issued by the European Council that day, the 20th round of sanctions is the largest in scale in two years, including the addition of 120 individuals and entities to the sanctions list, as well as 36 new restrictions on activities related to Russian oil exploration, extraction, refining, and transportation.