Ukraine is set to restart oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline on Wednesday afternoon, according to Reuters. This move comes as the country seeks access to a €90 billion loan from the European Union.
An informed source revealed to Reuters, “The oil pumping is scheduled to begin tomorrow around noon.” Hungarian oil company MOL has already submitted requests for the initial volumes, which will be evenly distributed between Hungary and Slovakia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has linked the completion of repairs on the Druzhba pipeline to the unlocking of the European support package for Ukraine. European foreign policy chief Josep Borrell indicated that a decision regarding the EU loan will be made within the next 24 hours.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar stated that Slovakia is prepared to support the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, following signals about the potential resumption of oil supplies.
Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban mentioned that Ukraine expressed readiness to restore oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline on Monday, contingent upon Budapest’s approval of the EU loan.
The EU plans to disburse the first tranche of the €90 billion loan by late May or early June 2026.
Ukraine is poised to resume oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline as it negotiates a significant EU loan. The decision is linked to ongoing diplomatic efforts and support packages for the country.
Source: Reuters