Druzhba pipeline to undergo technical tests after russian attack - Bloomberg

On Tuesday, April 21, a technical inspection of the Druzhba pipeline, which remained damaged after the russian attack in January, will begin. Bloomberg reports on the planned tests and possible unblocking of a loan from the European Union.

The restoration of the pipeline is a key condition for Ukraine to receive financial assistance, as Hungary and Slovakia have long blocked the allocation of funds due to the suspension of oil supplies. The Hungarian government has already officially stated its readiness to change its position on financing Ukraine if the transit of raw materials is fully restored.

Slovakia has also expressed a similar willingness to support EU unity. Despite this, the European Commission continues to insist on a gradual rejection of the aggressor's energy resources.

"The European Commission is preparing a plan according to which Hungary and Slovakia should completely stop purchasing russian oil by the end of 2027," the publication's sources note.

EU ambassadors are expected to discuss the final decision on the loan payment this Wednesday, in parallel with the results of the technical testing of the pipeline.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on April 20, the leader of the Hungarian Tisza party, Peter Magyar, who won the parliamentary elections in Hungary, appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to open the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Recall, on April 17, Magyar said that supplies of russian oil to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline could resume next week.