The European Union on Thursday (April 23) gave final approval to a €90 billion ($105 billion) loan for Ukraine and signed off on a fresh round of sanctions against Russia, delivering a major boost to Kyiv after weeks of deadlock triggered by internal disagreements among member states.&nbsp;The breakthrough came after Hungary and Slovakia withdrew their objections when Ukraine resumed oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline following repairs, effectively ending a standoff that had delayed critical financial and strategic support at a crucial phase of the war.&nbsp;EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that the impasse had been resolved and said Russia’s war economy was facing increasing pressure, while Ukraine stood to gain from the newly approved financial package.&nbsp;The dispute had stalled EU assistance at a time when the United States had scaled back support to Kyiv and eased restrictions on Russian oil amid the Iran war, thereby increasing Ukraine’s reliance on European backing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-exiled-crown-prince-reza-pahlavi-splashed-with-red-liquid-after-berlin-press-conference-1776943072973">Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi splashed with red liquid after Berlin press conference</a>&nbsp;The approval comes after Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, suffered a significant electoral defeat, who had earlier blocked the loan in an effort to push Ukraine to restore oil transit through the pipeline supplying his landlocked country, using the issue as leverage during negotiations.&nbsp;With the approval now secured, Brussels is expected to begin disbursing funds in the coming months, providing Ukraine with much-needed financial support to address widening budget gaps nearly four years into Russia’s invasion.&nbsp;At the same time, the EU’s 27 member states also cleared a new sanctions package against Moscow, marking the 20th round of punitive measures since the war began, with the latest restrictions focusing on Russia’s energy, banking and trade sectors.&nbsp;The sanctions are expected to tighten curbs on the so-called shadow fleet of ageing tankers used by Moscow to bypass oil export restrictions, while also targeting Russian cryptocurrency traders to further restrict financial channels.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country’s position in the war had stabilised in recent months, describing it as the “most stable” phase in nearly a year, even as he acknowledged the continued strain on Ukrainian forces and ruled out any scope for complacency.

The approval follows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s electoral defeat, after he had blocked the loan to pressure Ukraine to restore oil transit through the pipeline supplying his landlocked country.

The European Union on Thursday (April 23) gave final approval to a €90 billion ($105 billion) loan for Ukraine and signed off on a fresh round of sanctions against Russia, delivering a major boost to Kyiv after weeks of deadlock triggered by internal disagreements among member states. The breakthrough came after Hungary and Slovakia withdrew their objections when Ukraine resumed oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline following repairs, effectively ending a standoff that had delayed critical financial and strategic support at a crucial phase of the war. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that the impasse had been resolved and said Russia’s war economy was facing increasing pressure, while Ukraine stood to gain from the newly approved financial package. The dispute had stalled EU assistance at a time when the United States had scaled back support to Kyiv and eased restrictions on Russian oil amid the Iran war, thereby increasing Ukraine’s reliance on European backing. Also Read: Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi splashed with red liquid after Berlin press conference The approval comes after Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, suffered a significant electoral defeat, who had earlier blocked the loan in an effort to push Ukraine to restore oil transit through the pipeline supplying his landlocked country, using the issue as leverage during negotiations. With the approval now secured, Brussels is expected to begin disbursing funds in the coming months, providing Ukraine with much-needed financial support to address widening budget gaps nearly four years into Russia’s invasion. At the same time, the EU’s 27 member states also cleared a new sanctions package against Moscow, marking the 20th round of punitive measures since the war began, with the latest restrictions focusing on Russia’s energy, banking and trade sectors. The sanctions are expected to tighten curbs on the so-called shadow fleet of ageing tankers used by Moscow to bypass oil export restrictions, while also targeting Russian cryptocurrency traders to further restrict financial channels. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country’s position in the war had stabilised in recent months, describing it as the “most stable” phase in nearly a year, even as he acknowledged the continued strain on Ukrainian forces and ruled out any scope for complacency.

The approval follows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s electoral defeat, after he had blocked the loan to pressure Ukraine to restore oil transit through the pipeline supplying his landlocked country.

EU approves $105 billion Ukraine loan after Orbán defeat, announces fresh Russia sanctions

Conservative newcomer Peter Magyar on Monday thanked Russia and China for "accepting" the results of Hungary's landmark parliamentary elections, which saw long-time nationalist premier Viktor Orban ousted after 16 years in power. Magyar told reporters that he welcomed Moscow and Beijing "being open to pragmatic cooperation, just as Hungary is," a diplomatic signal from the prime minister-elect as he prepares to take the reins of a country long defined by Orban's brand of illiberal nationalism.&nbsp;Magyar's statement comes after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow hoped for "pragmatic" relations with Hungary's new government. At the same time, China, with which Orban had also cultivated close ties, formally congratulated Magyar.&nbsp;The acceptance is significant, as during the campaign, both the Hungarian opposition and international observers alleged that Russia and China actively supported Orbán’s government through disinformation and economic influence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ally-viktor-orb-n-concedes-defeat-as-peter-magyar-wins-landmark-hungary-election-1776023118486">Trump’s key EU ally Viktor Orbán concedes defeat as Peter Magyar wins landmark Hungary election</a>&nbsp;Orban, a self-described "thorn" in the European Union's side, had enjoyed the backing of both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was widely regarded as one of Trump's closest European allies, a relationship underscored by US Vice President JD Vance's recent high-profile visit to Budapest, where he backed Orban's re-election bid and described him as a "defender of national sovereignty" and a "model for the West," an effort broadly seen as an attempt to consolidate a wider populist alignment across Europe.&nbsp;Almost-complete official results showed Magyar's Tisza party securing 138 seats in the 199-seat parliament on 53 per cent of the vote, against Orban's Fidesz party, which retained 55 seats on 38 per cent. Turnout reached a record 79.6 per cent.<h2>Magyar vows new era for Hungary</h2>Hungarian prime minister-elect Peter Magyar pledged on Monday to usher in a "new era" for a country he described as having been brought to its knees under Orban's watch. "Our country has no time to waste. Hungary is in trouble in every respect. It has been plundered, looted, betrayed, indebted and ruined," he told reporters.&nbsp;Magyar said he would do "everything in our power to ensure that this truly marks the beginning of a new era," and urged President Tamas Sulyok, an Orban ally, to convene parliament "as soon as possible." Magyar's Tisza party won a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections, which drew record turnout, delivering a decisive blow to hard-right populism in one of Europe's most-watched political contests in years.

The acceptance is significant, as during the campaign, both the Hungarian opposition and international observers alleged that Russia and China actively supported Orbán’s government through disinformation and economic influence.

Conservative newcomer Peter Magyar on Monday thanked Russia and China for "accepting" the results of Hungary's landmark parliamentary elections, which saw long-time nationalist premier Viktor Orban ousted after 16 years in power. Magyar told reporters that he welcomed Moscow and Beijing "being open to pragmatic cooperation, just as Hungary is," a diplomatic signal from the prime minister-elect as he prepares to take the reins of a country long defined by Orban's brand of illiberal nationalism. Magyar's statement comes after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow hoped for "pragmatic" relations with Hungary's new government. At the same time, China, with which Orban had also cultivated close ties, formally congratulated Magyar. The acceptance is significant, as during the campaign, both the Hungarian opposition and international observers alleged that Russia and China actively supported Orbán’s government through disinformation and economic influence. Also Read: Trump’s key EU ally Viktor Orbán concedes defeat as Peter Magyar wins landmark Hungary election Orban, a self-described "thorn" in the European Union's side, had enjoyed the backing of both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was widely regarded as one of Trump's closest European allies, a relationship underscored by US Vice President JD Vance's recent high-profile visit to Budapest, where he backed Orban's re-election bid and described him as a "defender of national sovereignty" and a "model for the West," an effort broadly seen as an attempt to consolidate a wider populist alignment across Europe. Almost-complete official results showed Magyar's Tisza party securing 138 seats in the 199-seat parliament on 53 per cent of the vote, against Orban's Fidesz party, which retained 55 seats on 38 per cent. Turnout reached a record 79.6 per cent. Magyar vows new era for Hungary Hungarian prime minister-elect Peter Magyar pledged on Monday to usher in a "new era" for a country he described as having been brought to its knees under Orban's watch. "Our country has no time to waste. Hungary is in trouble in every respect. It has been plundered, looted, betrayed, indebted and ruined," he told reporters. Magyar said he would do "everything in our power to ensure that this truly marks the beginning of a new era," and urged President Tamas Sulyok, an Orban ally, to convene parliament "as soon as possible." Magyar's Tisza party won a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections, which drew record turnout, delivering a decisive blow to hard-right populism in one of Europe's most-watched political contests in years.

The acceptance is significant, as during the campaign, both the Hungarian opposition and international observers alleged that Russia and China actively supported Orbán’s government through disinformation and economic influence.

Magyar thanks Russia, China for accepting poll results, pledges ‘new era’ for Hungary

Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Sunday (April 12) conceded defeat in parliamentary elections, ending his 16-year rule, as conservative challenger Peter Magyar secured a decisive victory on a promise of “system change”.&nbsp;“The election results, though not yet final, are clear and understandable; for us, they are painful but unambiguous,” Orbán said, acknowledging the outcome. “We have not been entrusted with the responsibility and opportunity to govern. I congratulated the winning party.”&nbsp;Magyar, a former government insider and political newcomer, confirmed the development, saying Orbán had personally called him. “Prime Minister Viktor Orbán just called to congratulate us on our victory,” he posted on X, as his Tisza party led with over 52 per cent of the vote against Fidesz’s roughly 39 per cent with more than half the precincts counted.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has just called to congratulate us on our victory.&mdash; Magyar Péter (Ne féljetek) (@magyarpeterMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/magyarpeterMP/status/2043408618834325568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Orbán, widely seen as one of Donald Trump’s closest European allies, had built a long-standing partnership with Washington’s conservative leadership. The relationship was highlighted by US Vice President JD Vance’s recent high-profile visit to Hungary, during which he backed Orbán’s re-election bid and described him as a “defender of national sovereignty” and a “model for the West”. The visit was viewed as an effort to consolidate a broader populist alignment in Europe.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-will-not-bow-to-any-threats-after-trump-orders-hormuz-blockade-1776021618629">Iran says it ‘will not bow to any threats’ after Trump orders Hormuz blockade</a>&nbsp;Magyar’s victory signals a significant political shift in Hungary, with his campaign centred on institutional reforms, anti-corruption measures and a reset of governance after more than a decade of Orbán’s dominance.&nbsp;Reacting to the result, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the outcome, framing it as a moment of realignment with the European Union. “Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. Together we are stronger. A country returns to its European path. The Union becomes stronger,” she wrote on X.&nbsp;Orbán’s tenure had often put Hungary at odds with the EU, particularly over rule of law concerns and his reluctance to support funding linked to Ukraine’s war effort against Russia, reflecting his relatively close ties with Moscow.&nbsp;The election outcome marks a turning point in Hungary’s political trajectory, with implications for its relationship with the European Union and the broader balance of power within Europe.

Magyar, a former government insider and political newcomer, confirmed victory, saying Orbán called to concede. “Prime Minister Viktor Orbán just called to congratulate us,” he said, as Tisza led with over 52% against Fidesz’s 39%, signalling a decisive shift.

Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Sunday (April 12) conceded defeat in parliamentary elections, ending his 16-year rule, as conservative challenger Peter Magyar secured a decisive victory on a promise of “system change”. “The election results, though not yet final, are clear and understandable; for us, they are painful but unambiguous,” Orbán said, acknowledging the outcome. “We have not been entrusted with the responsibility and opportunity to govern. I congratulated the winning party.” Magyar, a former government insider and political newcomer, confirmed the development, saying Orbán had personally called him. “Prime Minister Viktor Orbán just called to congratulate us on our victory,” he posted on X, as his Tisza party led with over 52 per cent of the vote against Fidesz’s roughly 39 per cent with more than half the precincts counted.

Magyar, a former government insider and political newcomer, confirmed victory, saying Orbán called to concede. “Prime Minister Viktor Orbán just called to congratulate us,” he said, as Tisza led with over 52% against Fidesz’s 39%, signalling a decisive shift.

Trump’s key EU ally Viktor Orbán concedes defeat as Peter Magyar wins landmark Hungary election

With two days to go before Hungarians vote, US President Donald Trump on Friday (Apr 10) made a late intervention in the country's bitter election, vowing to bring US "economic might" to Hungary if nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban wins Sunday's vote. "Hungary: GET OUT AND VOTE FOR VIKTOR ORBAN... I AM WITH HIM ALL THE WAY!" Trump posted on Truth Social.<h2>Orban vs Magyar</h2>As Orban battles for votes against Peter Magyar, his pro-European opponent, Trump took to Truth Social to throw his might behind the right-wing leader. Urging Hungarians to vote for Orban, Trump said that his administration was "excited to invest in the future prosperity that will be generated by Orban's continued leadership." His support follows a visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Budapest earlier in the week. The visit served to underscore Washington's support for the Hungarian prime minister.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-calls-show-hungary-shared-probe-details-with-iran-after-israel-linked-pager-attack-on-hezbollah-1775702866388">Leaked calls show Hungary shared probe details with Iran after Israel-linked pager attack on Hezbollah</a><h2>Orban faces a tough election battle</h2>Orban, who has governed Hungary for 16 years and built close relationships with both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, is facing the most serious electoral challenge of his career. Opinion polls put opposition leader Peter Magyar's conservative Tisza party well ahead.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-did-macron-post-a-video-of-jeffrey-epstein-kissing-melania-trump-truth-behind-the-viral-clip-1775806317213">FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip</a>The final days of the campaign have been ugly. Orban, in a social media video, accused the opposition of "colluding" with foreign intelligence services and alleged an "organised attempt to use chaos, pressure, and international vilification" to undermine the Hungarian people's choice. Magyar fired back, saying that the "series of ongoing election fraud carried out for months by the ruling party, Fidesz, along with criminal acts, intelligence operations, disinformation and fake news cannot change the fact that Tisza is going to win this election".&nbsp;

Will Donald Trump’s last-minute endorsement sway Hungary’s election? With just days to vote, the US President publicly backed Viktor Orban, as he faces a tough challenge from Peter Magyar.

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With two days to go before Hungarians vote, US President Donald Trump on Friday (Apr 10) made a late intervention in the country's bitter election, vowing to bring US "economic might" to Hungary if nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban wins Sunday's vote. "Hungary: GET OUT AND VOTE FOR VIKTOR ORBAN... I AM WITH HIM ALL THE WAY!" Trump posted on Truth Social. Orban vs Magyar As Orban battles for votes against Peter Magyar, his pro-European opponent, Trump took to Truth Social to throw his might behind the right-wing leader. Urging Hungarians to vote for Orban, Trump said that his administration was "excited to invest in the future prosperity that will be generated by Orban's continued leadership." His support follows a visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Budapest earlier in the week. The visit served to underscore Washington's support for the Hungarian prime minister. Also read | Leaked calls show Hungary shared probe details with Iran after Israel-linked pager attack on Hezbollah Orban faces a tough election battle Orban, who has governed Hungary for 16 years and built close relationships with both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, is facing the most serious electoral challenge of his career. Opinion polls put opposition leader Peter Magyar's conservative Tisza party well ahead. Also read | FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip The final days of the campaign have been ugly. Orban, in a social media video, accused the opposition of "colluding" with foreign intelligence services and alleged an "organised attempt to use chaos, pressure, and international vilification" to undermine the Hungarian people's choice. Magyar fired back, saying that the "series of ongoing election fraud carried out for months by the ruling party, Fidesz, along with criminal acts, intelligence operations, disinformation and fake news cannot change the fact that Tisza is going to win this election".

Will Donald Trump’s last-minute endorsement sway Hungary’s election? With just days to vote, the US President publicly backed Viktor Orban, as he faces a tough challenge from Peter Magyar.Scroll down to read more.

Trump vows US ‘economic might’ for Hungary if nationalist PM Viktor Orbán wins Sunday’s pivotal election

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EU approves $105 billion Ukraine loan after Orbán defeat, announces fresh Russia sanctions

Hungary's Magyar thanks Russia, China for accepting poll results, vows ‘new era’

Trump’s key EU ally Viktor Orbán concedes defeat in historic Hungary election

Trump vows US ‘economic might’ for Hungary if Viktor Orbán wins pivotal election