The European Union has formally launched the internal process to unblock the €90 billion loan for Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, bringing the standoff between Budapest and Kyiv closer to an end after months of intrigue.
The so-called written procedure began on Wednesday afternoon during a meeting of ambassadors in Brussels. Member states have up to 24 hours to register any objection.
Cyprus, the country holding the EU Council's rotating presidency, expects the procedure to be concluded on Thursday afternoon, when a final decision could be announced.
Hungary or Slovakia may still prevent the adoption by unanimity if they choose to, but diplomats believe that is unlikely.
Instead, EU diplomats consulted by Euronews believe a deal is almost certain following the restoration of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which is at the centre of the veto.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that the Soviet-era infrastructure, damaged in late January by Russian drones, was repaired and could resume operations. Flows are expected to restart in the coming hours.
"The EU asked Ukraine to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline, which had been destroyed by Russia. We have repaired it. We hope the EU will also deliver on the agreed commitments," Zelenskyy said in his evening address on Tuesday.
The €90 billion loan has been blocked for months by outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has accused Kyiv of blocking flows for "political" reasons.
Orbán made his dispute with Zelenskyy over Druzhba a prominent theme in his explosive re-election campaign. Still, the veteran prime minister was resoundingly defeated by opposition leader Péter Magyar under the promise of restoring the rule of law, improving ties with the EU and unblocking EU cash held up by Brussels over law violations.
The Hungarian transition, the first in 16 years, paved the way to break the deadlock.
Meanwhile, the sanctions package is blocked by Hungary and Slovakia, also over Druzhba. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Wednesday his veto would be removed only after oil starts flowing again.
"The government of the Slovak Republic will not agree to a sanctions package in favour of Ukraine unless there is a genuine reopening of the Druzhba oil pipeline," Fico said.
The sanctions include a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers, but this measure has been conditional on an agreement at the G7 level after Malta and Greece, two coastal countries, voiced serious concerns.
The G7 deal is unlikely to happen any time soon, given the White House's recent decision to extend sanctions relief for Russian oil, something that has dismayed Europeans.
