Ukraine Repairs Druzhba Pipeline, Resuming Russian Oil Flows to Europe Amid EU Loan Negotiations

Ukraine is set to resume flows of Russian oil to Europe via the Druzhba pipeline on April 22, 2026, after completing repairs to the damaged infrastructure. The Druzhba pipeline, controlled by Ukraine, had been repaired on Tuesday, clearing the last obstacle to a long-delayed €90 billion EU loan, Semafor reported. Kyiv said it fixed the pipeline, enabling the resumption of oil transport.

Ukraine agreed to transport Russian energy as part of the deal to secure the €90 billion EU loan, which is aimed at funding its military push against Moscow. Hungary and Slovakia demanded access to Russian oil in return for their approval of the financing arrangement. Ukraine views the €90 billion EU loan as critical to maintain its ability to repel Russian forces.

Though Kyiv is in effect helping its invader fund itself, Ukraine sees the loan as essential after more than four years of war, Semafor reported. The war between Ukraine and Russia has lasted more than four years as of April 22, 2026. Ukraine and Russia have largely fought to a stalemate in 2026, with Moscow's spring-summer offensive resulting in limited battlefield progress.