Ukraine Confirms Druzhba Pipeline Operational, Eyes Unblocked EU Aid
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that the Druzhba pipeline, a critical artery for Russian oil supply to Europe, is now ready to resume operations. The pipeline, which suffered damage during Russia’s full-scale invasion, is seen as a key factor in potentially unblocking a significant European Union loan for Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that the “repair work” on the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which traverses Ukrainian territory, has been completed. He expressed expectations that this development would lead to the release of a much-needed 90-million-euro ($106 million) European Union loan. This vital financial support has been held up by Hungary, a nation heavily reliant on Russian oil.
Ukraine attributes the pipeline’s damage to Russian attacks in late January. However, both Hungary and Slovakia, which have remained dependent on Russian oil since the conflict began over four years ago, had previously accused Kyiv of delays in undertaking the necessary repairs.
“The pipeline can resume operation,” Zelenskyy affirmed. “We connect this with the unblocking of the European support package for Ukraine, which had already been approved by the European Council.”
Optimism is growing that Hungary will now lift its veto on the loan. This shift is attributed not only to the pipeline’s reopening but also to recent political changes in Hungary, where Kremlin-friendly Prime Minister Viktor Orban is reportedly on his way out after losing recent elections.
Adding to the positive outlook, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated later on Tuesday that she anticipates a “positive decision” on the loan within the next 24 hours. EU ambassadors are scheduled to convene on Wednesday, where they are expected to grant the final approval for the release of the blocked funds to Ukraine.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU imposed a ban on seaborne imports of Russian oil, but maintained the legality of land-based flows, such as those through Druzhba.
President Zelenskyy further elaborated on X (formerly Twitter) that he had engaged in discussions with European Council President Antonio Costa regarding the unblocking of the loan. “Ukraine has fulfilled what the European Union asked of us,” he posted, referencing the demands from both Hungary and Slovakia for the pipeline’s restoration.
Conversely, the Kremlin commented on Tuesday that Russia is technically prepared to restart oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia, contingent on Ukraine ceasing what Moscow termed its “blackmail.”
While Ukraine urgently requires the EU funds to address impending budget deficits, it has managed to secure financial assistance from other international backers in the interim, despite Hungary’s prolonged obstruction of the loan.
In a related development, a Ukrainian SBU security service official reported on Tuesday that Ukrainian drones successfully struck an oil-pumping and dispatch facility in Russia’s Samara region overnight. This facility, located in the village of Prosvet, is an integral part of the Druzhba oil pipeline supply chain.
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