Brussels, 23 February 2026 (dpa/MIA) - EU foreign ministers convene in Brussels on Monday to discuss a fresh loan for Kiev and a 20th package of sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine.

The talks come one day before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

The €90 billion ($106 billion) loan was initially agreed in December and was approved by the European Parliament.

The funding is intended to meet the Ukrainian government's financial needs until the end of 2027, enabling it to further resist Moscow.

However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced on Friday that Budapest would block the loan unless Russian oil exported to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline resumes.

Ukrainian sources say the flow of oil has been interrupted by Russian bombing since the end of January. Hungary and Slovakia, which also continues to receive Russian oil via the pipeline, accuse the Ukrainian leadership of deliberately preventing the resumption of deliveries.

More EU sanctions on Russia?

Discussions are also likely to focus on a 20th package of sanctions on Russia, including a ban on maritime services related to exports of Russian crude oil.

Alongside measures targeting Russia's fossil fuel exports, the European Commission has also proposed additional financial restrictions to further constrain Russia's ability to carry out international payments to fund economic activities.

The meeting will also address the war in Gaza and US President Donald Trump's controversial Board of Peace.

An EU commissioner participated in an observer role at the first meeting of the council last week, drawing criticism from France.

In addition, EU foreign ministers will also discuss the escalating crisis in Iran and the situation in Syria.