A 90 billion-euro aid package from the European Union that is currently blocked by Hungary is critical for Kyiv as it faces a "very difficult" situation while fighting Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday (March 19).

In comments to the European Council, he added that Ukraine was working productively with the EU on restoring the Druzhba oil pipeline damaged by Russia, and that he has received signals from the U.S. that peace talks with Russia may resume soon.

However, European Union leaders failed to convince Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to lift his blockade on the loan, officials said after the summit.

With Russia's war in Ukraine in its fifth year, Kyiv is grappling with a ballooning budget deficit and has said there were no alternative financing options if the 90 billion euro loan remained blocked.

EU leaders agreed to the loan in December but Orban, who has cordial ties with Russia and has clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has blocked its implementation, citing a dispute over a war-damaged pipeline.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, ADDRESSING LEADERS DURING EU SUMMIT

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: UNKNOWN LOCATION (MARCH 19, 2026) (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE - Access all)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

"The most important financial security guarantee for Ukraine from Europe is not working – the 90-billion-euro support package for this year and the next. This is critical for us. It is a resource to protect lives."

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

"Dear leaders, united Europe, we need to take and implement decisions. Strong and steady support matters. Pressure on Russia matters. And it is important to stay focused – even while watching Iran – that war is ongoing on European soil. (CONTINUE SPEAKING OVER SHOT OF LEADERS AT SUMMIT) We count on you to unblock the 90-billion-euro package of financial security guarantees."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

"Ukraine, for its part, is doing what is needed – including on the oil pipeline, as we discussed with António and Ursula – to make this possible. Our team from the energy companies – Naftogaz and UkrTransNafta – is working productively to deliver on what we discussed. But the decision is yours – whether you want Russian oil to be imported by Europe, knowing that it helps the aggressor."

6. WHITE FLASH

7. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

"Working with the team of the President of the United States, I involve Europe as much as possible and keep you informed. Europe’s involvement is the cornerstone of our approach, and peace in Ukraine is peace in Europe. It is our common goal."

8. WHITE FLASH

9. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

"(ZELENSKIY SPEAKING OVER SHOT OF LEADERS AT SUMMIT) In the past few days, we have received signals from the American side (ZELENSKIY SPEAKING) that talks may resume soon. But with what mindset will the Russian side come to the talks this time? It depends on all of us together to make sure the Russians do not come to these talks feeling that their position has grown much stronger."

10. WHITE FLASH

11. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

"Despite all the difficulties, Ukraine continues to work to make it possible to close all clusters this year. Ukraine is already technically ready, and we have received from you the necessary benchmarks for all clusters – this is important, (ZELENSKIY CONTINUE SPEAKING OVER SHOT OF LEADERS AT SUMMIT) thank you. In line with key EU principles, reforms, and the rule of law, (ZELENSKIY SPEAKING) we will ensure that everything on our side is done to open the clusters and continuation of accession negotiation in 2026. And we are determined to do this."

12. WHITE FLASH

13. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

"Russia must clearly see and truly feel that Ukraine will be in Europe – and that this cannot be stopped. That is why we are carrying out internal reforms and (ZELENSKIY CONTINUE SPEAKING OVER SHOT OF LEADERS AT SUMMIT) working externally to secure a clear date for EU membership. If there is a clear date, (ZELENSKIY SPEAKING) it will mean that Russia will not be able to block our accession in any way."