On Wednesday, the EU is set to approve a substantial loan for Ukraine, as oil has resumed flowing through a key pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia, thereby removing a major obstacle to the approval of the funds. For several months, the two countries have been accusing Ukraine of failing to repair the pipeline.

Ukrtransaft, the operator of the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine, has informed the two countries that Russian oil is on its way and is expected to arrive early on Thursday. Unlike most other EU countries, Hungary and Slovakia’s energy needs remain dependent on Russia.

Meanwhile, the EU envoys has initiated a political process to approve the loan. National governments have 24 hours to raise objections in writing; if none of the 27 member states objects, the loan is likely to be approved on Thursday afternoon, and a series of new sanctions against Russia may also be approved on Thursday.