Meloni urges flexibility to unblock EUR 90B Ukraine loan, suggests restarting Druzhba pipeline

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni believes that Hungary's blockade of a EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine could be lifted if the Druzhba oil pipeline resumes operations.

She made the statement after a European Council meeting in Brussels, Ukrinform reports, citing Adnkronos.

"I believe this situation can be resolved. In my view, it requires flexibility from both sides. On the one hand, from my perspective, it is necessary to restore the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline, and on the other, the EUR 90 billion will be automatically unblocked," Meloni said.

With this statement, the Italian prime minister denied reports that she had expressed understanding for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's veto of the loan to Kyiv during the meeting.

Meloni also stressed that the European Council once again reaffirmed its comprehensive support for "the country under attack."

As previously reported, European Council President Antonio Costa described Orban's behavior in blocking the loan for Ukraine as unacceptable, emphasizing that it is inappropriate to tie its unblocking to circumstances beyond the control of the EU or Ukraine.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine