After months of negotiations, Ukraine has finally begun delivering Russian oil via a pipeline into Hungary and Slovakia. This ends the impasse over a €90bn (£78bn) loan, which is considered as critical EU aid for Kyiv.
Officials reported that the loan and the 20th round of sanctions on Russia were both given preliminary clearance at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels shortly after. The new deadline for approval is Thursday.
After Ukraine reported that supplies had ground to a standstill due to damage caused by a Russian attack, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán invoked his veto power in February, even though the funding had already been agreed upon in December.
Hours after the EU ambassadors started debating the loan, Ukrainian oil and government sources informed officials in Hungary and Slovakia that pumping had resumed. After Orbán insisted that oil flow resume before the loan could be disbursed, Ukraine confirmed on Tuesday that the repairs were complete.
After 16 years in office, he was ousted as prime minister last Sunday in an election that cleared the air for the EU. Péter Magyar, the incoming leader of Hungary, has made improving relations between Budapest and Brussels a top priority. Speaking before the ambassadors’ meeting, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that Ukraine desperately needs this funding and that it shows Russia cannot outlive Ukraine.
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