UK Discusses Joining EU's €90 Billion Loan Scheme for Ukraine at Armenia Summit

The EU approved the €90 billion loan deal for Ukraine last month after Hungary lifted its veto. The funds are to be lent over the next two years, with two-thirds allocated to defense needs and one-third to broader financial assistance.

The prime minister stated that joining the EU loan scheme would be good for EU ties. Starmer is one of 48 heads of state invited to the summit in the Armenian capital. The first European Political Community meeting was convened in October 2022, months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

On Sunday in Armenia, Starmer met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. S. Downing Street said further UK sanctions on Russian companies are expected to be announced this week to disrupt military supply chains.

At the summit, Starmer will discuss the situation in the Middle East with European partners, including how they can contribute to security in the Strait of Hormuz. S. and Israel, which began in February.

Starmer has outlined a desire to reset relations with Europe, including closer ties on security and the economy, but said it does not amount to a reversal of Brexit.