Druzhba Pipeline Work to Resume After Ukrainian Approval

Ukraine Seeks EU Loan Release as Pipeline Repair Work Completes

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expects a “positive decision” on a blocked loan for Ukraine within the next 24 hours. The loan, worth €90 million ($106m), was previously held up by Hungary due to its dependence on Russian oil.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that repair work on the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline has been completed. The pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Europe, was damaged in late January during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy stated that the pipeline is now ready for operation.

The completion of the repair work is seen as a key factor in the release of the loan, which had been blocked by Hungary since the start of the war. EU ambassadors are scheduled to meet on Wednesday to give their final approval for the loan.

Kallas’ positive assessment comes amid changes in Hungarian politics, with Kremlin-friendly Prime Minister Viktor Orban losing recent elections. The pipeline’s reopening is also seen as a factor in the potential lifting of Hungary’s veto on the loan.

The European Union had banned seaborne imports of Russian oil but allowed land flows to continue. Ukraine needs the EU funds to address its budget shortfall, while Hungary has stalled the loan process. In parallel, Ukrainian drones struck an oil-pumping facility in Russia’s Samara region overnight, further highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two countries.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to negotiate and await a resolution.

Source: Al Jazeera