President of the European Council, Costa, stated on social media on the 23rd that the EU has approved a €90 billion (about RM416.9 billion) loan to Ukraine, and has passed the 20th round of sanctions against Russia.
He pointed out that the EU will strengthen Ukraine's capabilities and continue to put pressure on Russia.
He said that this €90 billion loan will provide Ukraine with financial and military support from 2026 to 2027.
According to a statement released by the Council of the EU on the same day, the 20th round of sanctions is the largest package in two years, including the addition of 120 individuals and entities to the sanctions list, and 36 new restrictions related to Russian oil exploration, extraction, refining, and transportation, among others.
In the energy sector, the EU has added 46 ships to the 'shadow fleet' sanctions list, bringing the total number of ships subject to the ban to 632. The EU stipulated that from January 2027, it will be prohibited to provide LNG terminal services to Russian entities or entities and operators owned or controlled by Russian citizens.
In the financial sector, the EU announced transaction bans on 20 Russian banks and imposed restrictions on transactions involving certain digital currencies, including the digital ruble.
The EU also announced that, given that Belarus is accused of supporting Russia in the Ukraine crisis, this round of sanctions adds three measures involving the Belarusian military-industrial system and the Belarusian regime. At the same time, the EU is extending the validity period of sanctions against Belarus until February 28, 2027.