Ukraine and the European Union are on the cusp of a major breakthrough in their long-standing dispute over a critical €90 billion loan. The loan, which has been stalled for months due to disagreements between Kyiv and outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, is now poised for approval after Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the Druzhba pipeline, a vital conduit for Russian oil imports to Hungary and Slovakia, has been repaired and is ready to be used again. EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas has expressed optimism about a positive decision within the next 24 hours, but the meeting of EU member states today will be a crucial test of their resolve to support Ukraine's economic recovery. A second approval of the loan would be a significant victory for Kyiv, which has been struggling to cope with the devastating effects of Russia's invasion.
Member states meet this morning to discuss loan after longstanding disagreement between Kyiv and outgoing Hungarian PM Viktor OrbánAfter four months of very public disagreements between Ukraine and Hungary, today could be the day when the EU finally signs off (for the second time) on the critical €90bn loan for Kyiv.Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed yesterday that the Druzhba pipeline, carrying Russian oil imports to Hungary and Slovakia, has been repaired and is ready to be used again. EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said yesterday she expected “a positive decision” within the next 24 hours. Continue reading...
