Zelensky to Attend EU Leaders’ Cyprus Meeting as €90B Ukraine Loan Takes Center Stage

The gathering, initially expected to center on the war in the Middle East and energy security, has shifted its agenda toward Ukraine support following progress on the proposed loan. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disembarks from the plane upon his arrival at Ankara airport, in Ankara, on May 15, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to hold talks with Turkish President in Ankara, on May 15, 2025. (Photo by Adem ALTAN / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend an informal meeting of EU leaders in Cyprus in person, where discussions are set to focus on unblocking a €90 billion financial package for Ukraine. The gathering, initially expected to center on the war in the Middle East and energy security, has shifted its agenda toward Ukraine support following progress on the proposed loan. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . According to Politico , EU leaders will convene for an informal dinner in the resort city of Ayia Napa. Delegations are expected to begin arriving at 17:15 Brussels time, with a scheduled conversation with Zelensky at 18:30, followed by a working dinner at 19:15. A brief press appearance is expected after the meeting. European Council President António Costa confirmed that Zelensky would attend in person, reversing earlier plans for him to participate online. “We will have the honor of personally welcoming President Zelensky at this especially important moment,” Costa told Politico, adding that Europe has already demonstrated its ability to support Ukraine and would continue to do so “for as long as necessary.” The meeting comes as EU ambassadors have already a greed in principle on the €90 billion loan and endorsed a 20th sanctions package against Russia. Final approval is expected following a written EU Council procedure concluding on April 23. The package had been delayed by Hungary , with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán blocking decisions over unanimity rules and linking his approval to the restart of the Druzhba oil pipeline, damaged in a Russian strike earlier this year and supplying crude to Hungary and Slovakia. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Asks Turkey to Host Zelensky-Putin Talks Ukraine has asked Turkey to host a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin as Kyiv seeks to revive stalled peace talks, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said. Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has meanwhile backed the loan deal, including provisions allowing Budapest to opt out of funding participation. Final EU sign-off is expected imminently once procedural steps are completed. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.