The European Union is moving forward with a €90 billion financial package for Ukraine, a move facilitated by the restart of the Druzhba pipeline and a major shift in Hungarian leadership. EU ambassadors in Brussels have granted preliminary approval for the loan, which is expected to be finalized at an upcoming summit.
The funding, originally agreed upon last December, had been stalled by outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who leveraged his veto power while demanding the restoration of oil flows to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukraine confirmed that repairs to the pipeline, which had been damaged during Russian attacks, were completed this week.
The resumption of oil transit, coupled with the electoral defeat of Orbán, has effectively removed the primary obstacles to the EU's financial support. Incoming Hungarian leader Péter Magyar has signaled a desire to mend relations with Brussels, marking a significant departure from Orbán’s combative stance.
The €90 billion loan is viewed by Kyiv as a critical lifeline, with two-thirds of the funds earmarked for defense needs. While the EU prepares to sign off on the package, officials in Brussels are also pushing forward with a 20th round of sanctions against Russia.
Despite the progress, Ukrainian media reports suggest it could still be weeks before the funds reach Kyiv.
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