German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asserted that the European Union’s €90 billion loan facility for Ukraine requires immediate disbursement. Merz’s statement follows the electoral removal of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who previously served as a significant political impediment to releasing the substantial financial package. The news arrives as Kyiv seeks continued Western reassurance.

Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Berlin, the two leaders cemented closer cooperation, specifically targeting joint efforts in air defense systems and drone manufacturing capabilities. This bilateral reinforcement signals continued German commitment to supporting Ukraine’s immediate defense needs on the ground against the ongoing conflict.

Merz firmly supported Ukraine’s ambition for full European Union accession, explicitly rejecting any notion of a “second class” membership status for Kyiv. While acknowledging the procedural length of the accession path, the chancellor’s stance offers political backing for Kyiv’s integration goals, a key point for Western allies.

This push for rapid funding release is essential for stabilizing Ukraine’s economy and war footing, providing necessary capital injections into critical sectors. The removal of the Hungarian blockade clears the path for EU financial commitments to finally materialize, impacting defense contractors and reconstruction planning.