Ukraine plans to resume operation of the Druzhba pipeline today, two European officials told the "TVP World" channel, LETA reports citing TVP.
Sources reported that technical checks of the pipeline are planned to be conducted first, after which its operation will be resumed.
The pipeline was damaged as a result of a Russian strike on Ukraine on January 27. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who suffered a crushing defeat in the parliamentary elections this month, accused Ukraine of deliberately blocking the resumption of Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. Because of this, Orban blocked the provision of a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine from the European Union (EU).
Kyiv and Brussels hope that after the resumption of the Druzhba's operation, Hungary will lift its veto on the loan intended to cover Ukraine's most urgent financial needs and continue its fight against Russia.
The EU plans to pay Ukraine 45 billion euros this year and another 45 billion euros next year.
In a letter to European Council President Antonio Costa, Orban promised on Monday that Budapest would support the loan if oil supplies through the Druzhba were restored.
One European official told "TVP World" that details are still being worked out, but funds for Ukraine are likely to be provided soon.
Voting on this issue may take place as early as Wednesday, a representative of the Cypriot presidency in the EU said.
After the loan is approved, funds could be disbursed within one to two weeks, notes "TVP World."
