ALERT: Ukraine: Macron assures that the 90 billion euro EU loan will be fulfilled

French president pledges to honor €90bn loan for Ukraine despite Hungary’s objections, as Zelensky visits Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that the €90 billion loan promised to Ukraine by European leaders will be honored, despite ongoing delays caused by Hungary’s objections. Speaking at a press conference in Paris on March 13, Macron stated that the European commitment would be met, regardless of Hungary’s decision to block the first disbursements.

Macron’s Strong Stance on European Commitments

During a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Élysée Palace, Macron made it clear that the loan, initially agreed upon in December, would be respected. “Last December we decided on a loan of €90 billion. That commitment will be fulfilled and I say it here with force and clarity,” Macron declared. The French president was referring to Hungary’s demand that Ukraine restore the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged during a Russian attack. Budapest has linked its approval of the loan disbursement to Ukraine’s compliance with this demand.

Macron’s response was direct: “If disagreements arise, it is the duty of each nation to respect the political promises and commitments made by all in December.” His comments underscore the tension between EU member states as the bloc grapples with balancing political, economic, and strategic interests.

“Last December we decided on a loan of €90 billion. That commitment will be fulfilled and I say it here with force and clarity.” – Emmanuel Macron

Macron on Sanctions and Oil Price Concerns

Macron also addressed concerns over the recent U.S. decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil sales, which has been met with mixed reactions in Europe. He described the move as “limited” and insisted that it would not alter the broader framework of the G7’s sanctions policy. “The decision taken in an exceptional and limited manner by the United States does not permanently or comprehensively reverse the sanctions that they themselves adopted within the framework of the G7,” he explained.

The French president emphasized that the situation in Ukraine should not lead to a shift in sanctions policy, despite rising oil prices. “The increase in the price of oil should in no case lead to reviewing our sanctions policy against Russia. That is the position of the G7 and, of course, of France and Europe,” Macron asserted.

Zelensky’s Efforts to Keep Focus on Ukraine

In his twelfth visit to France since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky sought to send a clear message: the war in the Middle East must not distract the international community from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This visit, which follows a stop in Romania, is seen as a concerted effort by Zelensky to keep global attention focused on the war in Ukraine.

Zelensky’s meeting with Macron comes at a time when the Kremlin is attempting to leverage the current geopolitical situation, with Russia reportedly accusing Ukraine of obstructing peace talks. Moscow had proposed new negotiations, mediated by the United States, next week. In response, the French presidency issued a sharp rebuttal, stating: “The only barrier to peace today is Russia.”

Zelensky’s visit highlights the urgency for Ukraine to maintain international support as the geopolitical landscape shifts. The discussions with Macron serve as a reminder of the long-standing commitment of European powers to Ukraine’s struggle, despite the complex and often fraught dynamics within the EU.