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UK to enter talks to join £78bn EU loan scheme for Ukraine
The UK says it will begin negotiations to join a €90bn (£78bn) EU loan scheme for Ukraine, announced by Sir Keir Starmer at the EPC summit in Armenia. The move follows Zelenskiy’s meeting with Starmer in Yerevan and comes as the EU approved the loan and as UK sanctions on Russia are anticipated. The discussions also touch on broader security and economic ties with Europe and ongoing regional issues.
Why It Matters
The development signals potential closer UK-EU cooperation on Ukraine aid and defence funding, with possible implications for UK industry and post-Brexit security and economic arrangements.
Timeline
8 Events
Keir Starmer on closer European ties, not Brexit reversal
May 3, 2026
Sir Keir has outlined a desire to reset relations with Europe, including closer security and economic ties, but said it does not amount to a reversal of Brexit.
UK to discuss Middle East security at EPC, including Strait of Hormuz
May 3, 2026
Ahead of the EPC meeting, Sir Keir said they will discuss the situation in the Middle East with European partners, including how they can contribute to security in the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran's response to the bombing campaign by the US and Israel.
Sanctions on Russian companies expected this week
May 3, 2026
Downing Street said further sanctions by the UK on Russian companies are expected to be announced this week to disrupt military supply chains.
Zelenskiy meets Starmer in Yerevan
May 3, 2026
Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Sir Keir Starmer in a hotel in Yerevan ahead of the EPC summit. Zelenskiy asked Starmer to pass on his best regards and thanks to King Charles III for his strong words in support of Ukraine during his recent state visit to the US.
UK to begin negotiations to join EU loan scheme for Ukraine
May 3, 2026
The article reports that the UK intends to begin negotiations with the EU to join the £78bn (€90bn) loan scheme for Ukraine. Sir Keir Starmer will tell the EPC summit in Armenia on Monday about the UK's ambitions. He met Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday in Armenia, with Zelenskiy asking him to pass on his best regards and thanks to King Charles III for his support during his US state visit.
Opposition to plan to adopt EU laws without full parliamentary vote
April 2026
The Conservatives and Reform UK last month made clear their opposition to a government plan for legislation to allow the UK to adopt new EU laws without Parliament having to hold a full vote.
EU approves €90bn Ukraine loan after Hungary veto lifted
April 2026
EU leaders last month approved the deal to lend Ukraine €90bn over the next two years after Hungary lifted its veto. Two-thirds of funding will be spent on defence, with the rest for broader financial assistance.
EPC first convened in October 2022
October 2022
The EPC first convened in October 2022, months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.