Ukraine completes Druzhba pipeline repairs, hopes to unlock EU loan

Ukraine has completed repairs on a damaged oil pipeline and is preparing to resume flows.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the announcement Tuesday, warning that Russia might target the infrastructure again.

Repairs to the Druzhba pipeline delayed approval of a major EU loan intended to support Ukraine’s military and economic needs.

Zelenskyy said the repairs were linked to freeing funds blocked by Hungary and Slovakia.

Russian oil supplies to these countries have been halted for two months after alleged Russian drone attacks damaged the pipeline.

Zelenskyy expressed reluctance to allow Russian oil to continue transiting through Ukraine.

EU officials are now cautiously optimistic that the loan deal could be approved soon, ending months of political deadlock.