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UK joining Ukraine loan scheme would be good for EU ties, Starmer says
Sir Keir Starmer said the UK could join a €90bn EU loan scheme to support Ukraine, describing it as beneficial for Ukraine, UK jobs, and UK-EU relations. The EU approved the loan in April after Hungary lifted its veto; Starmer spoke at the EPC summit in Yerevan about participation, sanctions on Russia, and Middle East security.
Why It Matters
This signals potential closer UK-EU security and economic cooperation amid the Ukraine conflict and broader regional security concerns.
Timeline
4 Events
UK discusses participation in EU Ukraine loan; sanctions and Middle East talks at EPC
May 4, 2026
Ahead of and during the EPC summit, Starmer said the UK is discussing participating in the €90bn EU loan scheme for Ukraine, describing it as very good for Ukraine and for UK-EU relations and for UK jobs. Downing Street indicated further sanctions on Russian companies are expected this week. Starmer was set to discuss the Middle East situation with European partners at the EPC, including potential contributions to security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Starmer meets Zelensky in Armenia; pass on regards to King Charles III
May 3, 2026
Sir Keir Starmer met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Armenia. Zelensky asked him to pass on his best regards and thanks to King Charles III for his support during his state visit to the United States.
EU approves €90bn Ukraine loan after veto lifted
April 2026
EU leaders approved a deal to lend Ukraine €90bn over the next two years after Hungary lifted its veto, with about two-thirds allocated to defence and the rest to broader financial assistance.
EPC first meeting since October 2022
October 2022
The European Political Community held its first meeting in October 2022, months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.