Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa to arrive in Kyiv with nothing but good intentions-politico

Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa to arrive in Kyiv with nothing but good intentions-politico

EU Leaders Visit Kyiv Amid Stalled Financial Support for Ukraine

On February 24, 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa arrived in Kyiv to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Their visit, intended to reaffirm EU solidarity, coincided with ongoing disputes over financial aid and sanctions, highlighting challenges in translating political commitments into concrete economic support.

The EU has pledged €194.9 billion in total support to Ukraine since 2022, including €70 billion for military assistance. A proposed €90 billion loan, agreed in principle by EU leaders in December 2025, aims to sustain Ukraine’s defense through 2027. However, Hungary’s refusal to approve the loan—due to a dispute over the Druzhba oil pipeline—has stalled implementation, leaving Kyiv without critical funding. Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying pipeline repairs, while EU officials condemned Budapest’s stance as undermining collective action according to Politico.

Energy security remains a focal point, with the EU providing €3 billion in energy-related aid, including €900 million for emergency gas purchases in 2025. Electricity exports from the EU to Ukraine are currently at maximum capacity, and the Commission has allocated 1,000 generators to bolster resilience as reported. Despite these measures, von der Leyen emphasized the need for “unwavering” financial and military support during her Kyiv visit, while acknowledging the political hurdles.

The EU’s financial commitments are tied to broader defense initiatives, such as the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which includes joint defense projects with Ukraine. However, Hungary’s veto threat underscores the fragility of consensus, particularly as member states balance geopolitical priorities with domestic economic interests according to Politico.

As the war enters its fifth year, Ukraine’s access to EU funding remains contingent on resolving internal disagreements among member states. The visit by von der Leyen and Costa underscored symbolic solidarity but exposed the gap between political rhetoric and actionable financial support. Investors and analysts will closely monitor whether Hungary’s objections delay the €90 billion loan, which is critical for Ukraine’s long-term stability as noted.