During an online address to the Council of the European Union, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that the approval of a €90 billion loan from the EU should not be contingent upon the status of the Druzhba oil pipeline. This statement underscores Ukraine's demand for support without the constraints of political conditions, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions with Russia and the need for financial assistance to stabilize the country's economy amid the war.

Sybiha specifically called out Hungary for its role in the negotiations, urging that it is unacceptable to use Ukraine's financial situation as leverage through actions like seizing funds from state-owned banks or detaining individuals. He pointed to the recent seizure of money from the personnel of Oschadbank as an example of unacceptable tactics that undermine the goodwill necessary for a cooperative and supportive relationship within the EU.

Furthermore, the Foreign Minister stressed the importance of accelerating the adoption of the 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia, reiterating that increasing pressure on Moscow is vital for the security of Ukraine and the European region as a whole. His comments reflect a broader sentiment within Ukraine about the urgent need for European solidarity and actionable support during a time of conflict, highlighting the intersections of financial aid, international relations, and regional security.