UK Plans Negotiations to Join EU's €90 Billion Loan Program for Ukraine at Yerevan Summit
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced intentions to negotiate participation in the European Union's €90 billion loan scheme for Ukraine during the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenia. The move aims to bolster support for Kyiv and deepen UK-EU defense ties.
GB NewsStarmer met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday in a hotel in Yerevan, where the two leaders discussed ongoing support for Ukraine. Zelensky asked Starmer to pass on his best regards and thanks to King Charles III for his strong words in support of Ukraine during his recent state visit to the US.
Starmer stated that the UK is ready to do the necessary work with allies to provide Ukraine the support and pressure needed on Russia to achieve a just and lasting peace right for Ukraine. The EU approved the €90 billion loan last month after Hungary lifted its veto, with two-thirds allocated to Ukraine's defense needs and the rest for broader financial assistance.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka described the funding as a matter of life and death.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-05-04
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Yerevan ahead of EPC summit.
2 sourcesBBC News · GB News - 2026-05-03
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s plane makes emergency landing in Ankara en route to Yerevan.
1 sourceFrance 24 - 2026-04
Russian President Vladimir Putin states Armenia cannot join both EU and CSTO.
1 sourceThe Guardian - 2025-08
Armenia and Azerbaijan initial peace agreement in Washington with US support.
1 sourceThe Guardian - 2024
Armenia freezes membership in Collective Security Treaty Organisation.
1 sourceThe Guardian - 2022-10
European Political Community first convenes.
2 sourcesBBC News · The Guardian
Potential Impact
- 01
Sanctions on Russian firms could disrupt global supply chains affecting energy and defense sectors.
- 02
Enhanced UK-EU defense cooperation could strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities.
- 03
Armenia's EU alignment could accelerate decoupling from Russia, influencing regional stability.
- 04
UK financial contributions may strain domestic budgets and spark political debate.
- 05
Discussions on US troop withdrawal from Germany may reshape NATO dynamics.
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