The pipeline, which ceased oil transport from Russia to Central Europe after being damaged by a Russian strike in January, became central to a dispute between Ukraine and Hungary. Hungary, heavily reliant on Russian oil, accused Ukraine of delaying repairs and vetoed a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, approved by EU leaders in December.
Zelenskyy’s announcement clears the way for Hungary to lift its loan veto, meant to support Ukraine’s economy amid Russia’s invasion. Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated he would drop his objection once the Druzhba pipeline is operational again.
On Monday, with optimism about resolving the deadlock and unlocking funds for Ukraine, the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU added the topic to the agenda for a meeting of the 27 EU ambassadors on Wednesday. The deal is expected to be highlighted at an EU leaders’ meeting in Cyprus on Thursday and Friday.
European Council President António Costa thanked Zelenskyy on social media “for delivering, as agreed: repairing the Druzhba pipeline and restoring its operation.”
However, Zelenskyy warned of no guarantee against future Russian attacks on the pipeline infrastructure.













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