The European Union’s leadership has given preliminary approval to granting the United Kingdom access to contracts for supplying weapons to Ukraine, according to the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the talks.

As the newspaper notes, EU ambassadors are set to return to negotiations on February 2 over a €90 billion loan programme for Kiev. A central issue remains unresolved: which suppliers Ukraine will be allowed to buy arms from, and under what conditions. The European Commission’s proposal stipulates that two-thirds of the loan funds should primarily be spent on procurement from Ukraine itself, EU member states, and countries belonging to the European Free Trade Association. Turning to other suppliers would be permitted only if no alternatives are available or if delivery times are «significantly shorter».

A compromise draft prepared under the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council broadens these limits. The document would allow the European Commission to purchase weapons from countries that maintain security and defence partnerships with the EU and that provide Ukraine with substantial military and financial assistance. Sources cited by the Financial Times say the United Kingdom meets these criteria.

The revised compromise text, circulated ahead of the next round of negotiations, also states that London would be expected to help cover the interest costs on the loan. If EU ambassadors endorse this approach, the Commission would be tasked with negotiating with the British side the size of a contribution deemed fair.

Earlier talks stalled over London’s stance on financial participation in the programme. Brussels had initially pushed for a contribution of €6.7 billion, while the UK was prepared to offer only about one percent of that amount. The Commission later reduced its demand to €2 billion.