UK–EU ties are revived through a renewed security and defence partnership signed last year, with the loan offering an immediate path to defense cooperation while Safe programme talks continue.

Ukraine repatriated a fallen serviceman from Russia, with reports of additional repatriations and concerns about the handling of body examination and belongings in Rostov-on-Don.

The deal enables financing under favorable market conditions, with repayment contingent on Russia paying damages after the war ends and potential use of frozen Russian assets if Moscow does not provide compensation.

The EU plans to disburse the first tranche of a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine in early April 2026, with a 2026–2027 package to be approved and funded from EU budget reserves rather than frozen Russian assets.

The loan package is designed to cover Ukraine’s deficits for 2026 and 2027 and fund defense investments, comprising 30 billion for budget needs and 60 billion for defense procurement by the EU and its partners.

EU ambassadors approved the 90 billion euro loan package, signaling continued financial and military support for Ukraine amid the war with Russia.

Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia did not block the proposal; the decision moved forward through a 24-member-state procedure.

A compromise ties the Buy-European clause to the availability of weapons and munitions within the EU, allowing non-EU purchases only if EU supply is limited or not timely, with a tailored exception for the United Kingdom.

The Council’s mandate allows involvement of third countries in certain defense products, defining two categories of partners: states with bilateral SAFE Regulation agreements and security/defense partnership countries with financial/military support for Ukraine, each with specifics on eligible products.

President Zelensky addressed Donald Trump’s remarks on halting strikes on Kyiv, stressing the importance of protecting energy infrastructure and noting ongoing discussions with allies and the energy sector on de-escalation, while acknowledging progress depends on Moscow and discussions in the Emirates.

There is no fixed figure yet for a ‘fair’ UK contribution; discussions aim to determine proportional repayment in line with won UK contracts, avoiding overemphasis on finances.

Law No. 13110 was signed granting intellectual property rights to service members’ developments, ensuring authorship and enabling state use for defense needs, with the measure enacted in November 2025 after parliamentary consideration in 2025.