Russian Oil: Some Flowing, Some Burning - Ukraine Latest, April 22

Key Points:

• The EU is close to approving a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, contingent on Kyiv repairing the Druzhba pipeline to allow Hungary and Slovakia to continue receiving Russian oil, which has reportedly resumed flowing to Slovakia.
• Russian oil infrastructure has been targeted by Ukrainian attacks, including major fires in Tuapse, prompting Russia to tighten control over domestic fuel supplies; strikes on Crimea’s Black Sea Fleet command hub have also increased amid speculation of a potential Ukrainian offensive.
• Russia continues daily drone attacks on Ukrainian rail and port infrastructure, with Germany urging European allies to increase air defense support for Kyiv despite production and political challenges.
• Europe is also enhancing non-military aid, with an upcoming Brussels meeting addressing the return of abducted Ukrainian children and considering an entry ban for Russian war veterans.
• US-led peace efforts face setbacks as talks with Iran stall, and Ukraine criticizes the US for engaging with Moscow without visiting Kyiv, highlighting ongoing difficulties in negotiations and differing approaches to resolving the conflict.