France, March 18 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said in a joint statement on Tuesday that Brussels would provide "technical and financial assistance" to reopen the line, which was damaged in western Ukraine during Russian attacks in January.

"The Druzhba pipeline is an essential energy corridor for the region," the two leaders said. "We welcome Ukraine's decision to accept EU assistance and to ensure the rapid and safe restoration of oil flows."

They also reiterated the EU's goal of phasing out all remaining Russian oil imports by the end of 2027.

Druzhba pipeline: dependence, diplomacy and the end of Russian leverage in Europe...