EU Approves 90 Billion Euro Loan to Ukraine; Zelenskyy Pushes for Full Membership

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today welcomed the European Union's approval of a 90 billion Euro loan to Ukraine. He also emphasized that Ukraine should be granted full EU membership rather than just a 'symbolic' status. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy called it a 'significant day' for Ukraine's defense and its relationship with the EU. The loan, which was previously stalled by outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, will be disbursed over two years. Zelenskyy urged that the first tranche be released by May or June. He stated in a recorded message to journalists, including AFP, that Ukraine is defending common European values and deserves full membership. He also noted that Ukraine's frontline situation has been 'at its most stable' in recent months despite the ongoing war of attrition entering its fifth year.