The European Commission is exploring ways to support the resumption of supplies via the "Druzhba" pipeline, including potential financial assistance, Reuters reports.
"I can confirm that the Commission is exploring options to support the resumption of oil supplies, including possible financial support," an EU spokesperson said at a daily briefing, without providing further details.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will hold a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to discuss the "Druzhba" pipeline, the spokesperson said, adding that it was not yet clear when will the conversation take place?
Transfers of Russian oil through the "Druzhba" pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine have been suspended since late January, when Kiev said the pipeline was seriously damaged by fire after a Russian attack.
Hungary and Slovakia, the only European Union countries still importing Russian oil, have accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying the resumption of oil supplies for political reasons. Kiev, on the other hand, says the pipeline cannot be repaired quickly.