Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Tuesday that repairs on the Druzhba oil pipeline are finished, allowing Russian oil to flow again to Hungary and Slovakia. The pipeline, damaged by Russian strikes in January, had halted supplies for two months and blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy stated on X that "Ukraine has completed repair work on the section of the Druzhba oil pipeline that was damaged by a Russian strike." He noted that specialists ensured the pipeline could operate despite ongoing risks from attacks.
Hungary and Slovakia accused Kyiv of delaying the Druzhba repairs, which led to the oil flow suspension and their outrage. Outgoing Hungarian leader Viktor Orban had blocked the €90 billion loan, citing the pipeline's inactivity as his reason. This standoff forced Ukraine to prioritize the fixes amid pressure from these nations, which rely on Russian oil for their energy needs.
Zelenskyy addressed the accusations by blaming Russian drone attacks for the damages and the risks to technicians. The repairs now meet the demands from Hungary and Slovakia.
The completed repairs pave the way for the EU to release the €90 billion loan, which Zelenskyy discussed with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated a positive decision could come within 24 hours, as ambassadors prepare to approve the funds on Wednesday.
Zelenskyy urged von der Leyen to disburse the money quickly, saying on social media, "It is important that we begin receiving them soon. All necessary steps on Ukraine's side have been taken." The EU's 27 members must unanimously agree to amend the budget for the loan.
Zelenskyy called on allies to increase sanctions on Moscow and diversify Europe's energy supplies beyond Russian oil. The EU had banned seaborne Russian oil imports in February 2022 but allowed land flows, a policy that keeps the Druzhba pipeline operational. This situation highlights Europe's ongoing dependence on Russian resources, as Ukrainian drones recently struck a Russian oil facility in the Samara region.
In his statement, Zelenskyy emphasized, "We must continue systematic sanctions pressure on Russia over this war and work on further diversifying energy supplies to Europe." He also spoke with European Council President Antonio Costa about unblocking the loan and reducing reliance on Russian oil.
With the pipeline ready, Russia stated it is technically prepared to resume oil flows through Druzhba to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian officials say the repairs address the immediate issues, though attacks could still occur. This resolution might lead to quicker EU financial support, helping Ukraine manage its needs while Europe adjusts its energy strategies.
Zelenskyy stressed that Europe must become independent from threats, pointing to the broader war context. The unblocking of the loan could provide Ukraine with immediate budget relief, preventing service cuts that affect daily life.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Tuesday that repairs on the Druzhba oil pipeline are finished, allowing Russian oil to flow again to Hungary and Slovakia. The pipeline, damaged by Russian strikes in January, had halted supplies for two months and blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine. This development affects European energy reliability, as countries like Hungary and Slovakia depend on the pipeline for their oil imports, potentially stabilizing fuel costs for consumers across the continent.
Zelenskyy stated on X that "Ukraine has completed repair work on the section of the Druzhba oil pipeline that was damaged by a Russian strike." He noted that specialists ensured the pipeline could operate despite ongoing risks from attacks. Residents in Europe may see steadier energy prices as a result, reducing the chance of shortages that could raise household bills.
Hungary and Slovakia accused Kyiv of delaying the Druzhba repairs, which led to the oil flow suspension and their outrage. Outgoing Hungarian leader Viktor Orban had blocked the €90 billion loan, citing the pipeline's inactivity as his reason. This standoff forced Ukraine to prioritize the fixes amid pressure from these nations, which rely on Russian oil for their energy needs.
Zelenskyy addressed the accusations by blaming Russian drone attacks for the damages and the risks to technicians. The repairs now meet the demands from Hungary and Slovakia, potentially easing their reliance on disrupted imports. Workers in these countries could benefit from resumed oil flows, avoiding job losses at refineries affected by the halt.
The completed repairs pave the way for the EU to release the €90 billion loan, which Zelenskyy discussed with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated a positive decision could come within 24 hours, as ambassadors prepare to approve the funds on Wednesday. This loan will help Ukraine address its budget shortfalls, indirectly supporting European stability by bolstering an ally against regional threats.
Zelenskyy urged von der Leyen to disburse the money quickly, saying on social media, "It is important that we begin receiving them soon. All necessary steps on Ukraine's side have been taken." The EU's 27 members must unanimously agree to amend the budget for the loan. Taxpayers in EU nations might feel the impact through their contributions, as the funds aim to prevent wider economic disruptions from the conflict.
Zelenskyy called on allies to increase sanctions on Moscow and diversify Europe's energy supplies beyond Russian oil. The EU had banned seaborne Russian oil imports in February 2022 but allowed land flows, a policy that keeps the Druzhba pipeline operational. This situation highlights Europe's ongoing dependence on Russian resources, as Ukrainian drones recently struck a Russian oil facility in the Samara region.
In his statement, Zelenskyy emphasized, "We must continue systematic sanctions pressure on Russia over this war and work on further diversifying energy supplies to Europe." He also spoke with European Council President Antonio Costa about unblocking the loan and reducing reliance on Russian oil. Households in Europe could face changes in energy options, with potential shifts to other sources lowering long-term vulnerability to supply cuts.
With the pipeline ready, Russia stated it is technically prepared to resume oil flows through Druzhba to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian officials say the repairs address the immediate issues, though attacks could still occur. This resolution might lead to quicker EU financial support, helping Ukraine manage its needs while Europe adjusts its energy strategies.
Zelenskyy stressed that Europe must become independent from threats, pointing to the broader war context. The unblocking of the loan could provide Ukraine with immediate budget relief, preventing service cuts that affect daily life. For Europeans, this means potential relief from rising energy costs, as stable supplies reduce the risk of price spikes in the coming months.
Highlighted text was flagged by the council. Tap to see feedback.
The sources also report that Ukrainian drones struck an oil-pumping and dispatch facility in Russia's Samara region overnight, part of the Druzhba oil pipeline supply chain located in the village of Prosvet.