Ukraine Repairs Pipeline, Unlocks €90B EU Loan

Ukraine just solved a major problem that was blocking tens of billions of euros in much-needed support.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Tuesday that Ukraine completed repairs on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which was damaged by Russian strikes in late January. The fix clears the last obstacle to receiving a €90 billion loan from the European Union.

The pipeline carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, two EU countries that still import energy from Moscow. When the pipeline went down, Hungary's former leader Viktor Orban blocked the loan package, accusing Ukraine of delaying repairs on purpose.

Orban lost his election earlier this month, opening the door for the deal to move forward. Now that Ukraine has finished the repairs, officials say they can restart oil flows as soon as they receive a formal request.

"Ukraine has completed repair work on the section of the Druzhba oil pipeline that was damaged by a Russian strike," Zelensky wrote on social media. "The pipeline can resume operation."

The situation put Ukraine in an awkward position. While Zelensky has pushed allies to stop buying Russian energy, Ukraine had to fix infrastructure that helps Russian oil reach Europe just to secure its own funding.

The Ripple Effect

The €90 billion loan will help Ukraine plug critical gaps in its budget as the country continues defending itself. While Budapest stalled the funds, Ukraine managed to secure enough money from other supporters to keep going.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters in Luxembourg that she expects an agreement within 24 hours. "Hopefully all the obstacles are removed," she said.

The loan requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. EU chief Antonio Costa welcomed the news, thanking Zelensky for completing the repairs as promised.

Even while announcing the pipeline fix, Zelensky called on European allies to increase sanctions on Russia and find new energy suppliers. "Europe must be independent from those who seek to destroy or weaken it," he said.

Ukraine has ramped up its own attacks on Russian energy facilities in recent months, targeting the revenue that funds Moscow's military operations.

The loan represents a major financial lifeline and shows how international cooperation can overcome political roadblocks to deliver real support.