This development comes after Hungary and Slovakia stated that Ukraine had resumed the transit of oil through the Druzhba pipeline, with first deliveries expected on April 23. The interruption in flows had been the main reason Budapest blocked approval of the loan since February.

The Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude oil to Slovakia and Hungary, was shut down in late January following damage caused by a Russian attack. The governments of Hungary and Slovakia had accused Kyiv of deliberately delaying the restoration of the flow.

According to the same announcement, both the loan and the 20th sanctions package against Russia were approved at Coreper level (Committee of Permanent Representatives) and included in the ambassadors’ agenda.

A written procedure has now begun for final approval by the Council of the European Union, expected to be completed by the afternoon of April 23.

Budapest had made clear that it would give its final green light only once the oil flow to Hungary via Druzhba was fully restored—a condition that now appears to clear the way for completion of the agreement.