Ukraine Repairs Druzhba Pipeline

Kyiv has successfully restored the Druzhba pipeline, clearing a major hurdle in its efforts to secure vital financial support from the European Union.

The pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, had been out of operation for three months following a series of drone strikes.

While the resumption of flows puts Ukraine in the uncomfortable position of facilitating Russian energy exports, officials say it was a necessary concession to secure the multi-billion euro loan.

The first tranche of the funding is now expected to arrive by early June, providing a critical boost to Ukraine's war-torn economy.