Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced the completion of repairs on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which will allow for the resumption of Russian oil supplies to Europe and pave the way for a much-needed €90 billion (approximately $106 billion) loan from the European Union.
"In accordance with an agreement reached with the EU, Ukraine has finished repairing the sections of the Druzhba pipeline damaged by Russian military attacks," Zelenskiy stated in a post on the social media platform X on Tuesday. "The pipeline is now ready to resume operations."
He indicated that this development should facilitate the "approval of the EU's aid package for Ukraine." In a separate post on X, Zelenskiy mentioned that he had discussed the matter with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "Ukraine has taken all necessary steps," he said.
The restoration of the Druzhba pipeline represents a significant breakthrough for Brussels in its efforts to secure the EU loan for Kyiv. The outgoing Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, had previously linked the approval of aid for Ukraine to the restoration of Russian oil supplies.
This funding is critical for Ukraine to sustain its war effort. A Bloomberg report last month indicated that Kyiv's financial reserves were only sufficient to last until June.
The incoming Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Márki-Zay, stated last week that he expects Orban to lift his veto once oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline are restored.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she anticipates a positive decision on the loan "within the next 24 hours."
EU ambassadors are expected to discuss the issue on Wednesday.
Comments