European Union leaders have reached an agreement to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan, a decision rooted in the ongoing conflict in the region. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the necessity of this financial support during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on March 13.
Macron also addressed the contentious issue surrounding the Druzhba oil pipeline, which Hungary has blocked in connection with the loan. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is demanding the resumption of oil flow through the pipeline, which was halted following Russian strikes in January.
“I want to tackle both issues decisively. We must keep our promises. The €90 billion should be disbursed under the conditions agreed upon in December, while the Druzhba pipeline needs to be restored, and this must be done transparently,” Macron stated.
In response, Zelensky discussed the coordination of Ukraine’s stance with EU member states ahead of their upcoming summit in Brussels on March 19-20, aiming to unblock the financial assistance.
“As Russia currently benefits from additional resources due to ongoing destabilization in the Middle East, Ukraine must receive what Europe has already decided. It is crucial for European decisions to be implemented,” Zelensky remarked.
The Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukraine, is a key route for transporting Russian oil to Europe, including Hungary and Slovakia. Following the onset of the full-scale invasion, the EU banned the purchase of Russian oil, but Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria were granted extensions due to their lack of access to maritime routes, making them reliant on the Druzhba pipeline. Austria has successfully diversified its oil supply.
According to Ukrainian sources, the pipeline was damaged during Russian attacks at the end of January, a claim disputed by Hungarian and Slovak officials. Hungary has asserted that recent satellite data indicates no technical or operational issues preventing the pipeline from resuming normal operations.
Both Slovakia and Hungary are currently blocking the approval of the 20th sanctions package against Russia and the multi-billion euro loan to Ukraine, which EU leaders agreed upon during their December summit. The two countries have pledged to maintain their veto until the transportation of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline is restored.
EU leaders have confirmed a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, but Hungary's blockade of the Druzhba oil pipeline complicates the situation. Both Hungary and Slovakia are holding back on sanctions against Russia and the loan until the pipeline issue is resolved.