EU Delays Discussion on Russia Sanctions, Focuses on Loan for Ukraine

Moscow (ANTARA) - The European Union remains hesitant to continue discussions on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, as it prioritises securing a loan of €90 billion (approximately Rp1.81 quadrillion) for Ukraine, Politico reported on Tuesday (21/4), citing several diplomats. The Russia-Ukraine conflict will be on the agenda at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Tuesday, where various possibilities could arise if the Druzhba pipeline resumes operations, the report stated. It was also mentioned that negotiations on the 20th sanctions package against Russia could soon resume, as Slovakia has linked its approval of the new restrictions to the restoration of that pipeline route. However, several diplomats are deemed less confident and emphasise that the loan for Ukraine remains the top priority. On Monday, Bloomberg reported that Ukraine hopes the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, will resume operations on 21 April. On 27 January, Ukraine halted the oil flow to Hungary and Slovakia. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on 23 February that his country is blocking the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia and the €90 billion loan to Ukraine due to the closure of the Druzhba pipeline. On 5 March, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that his country will not compromise with Ukraine regarding the Druzhba blockade and will force Ukraine to resume pumping “by force.”