Zelensky Announces Completion of Druzhba Pipeline Repairs and Resumption of Russian Oil Flow to Europe

Completion of Repairs to the Damaged Druzhba Pipeline and Its Readiness to Operate Again

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced yesterday, Tuesday, that the repairs to the damaged section of the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Europe, have been completed, and the pipeline is ready to resume operations.

Zelensky explained that the pipeline, which passes through Ukrainian territory, was damaged due to Russian strikes in late January, leading to a partial halt in the flow of oil to European countries, including Slovakia and Hungary.

The Druzhba Pipeline Crisis Between Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia

The Druzhba pipeline has witnessed rising political tensions between Ukraine on one side and both Hungary and Slovakia on the other, as the two countries accused Kyiv of delaying the repairs and the resumption of oil flow.

Hungary is one of the prominent countries within the European Union that still relies on Russian oil through this pipeline, making the issue a sensitive political matter within Eastern Europe.

Hungary Blocks a €90 Million European Loan

In a related context, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán blocked a €90 million European loan that was intended to support Ukraine, as a means of pressure on Kyiv to resume oil flow through the pipeline.

Despite this, Ukraine managed to secure alternative funding from other supportive entities, while discussions within the European Union continue regarding the final approval of the loan, amid expectations of a softening of Hungary's stance.

Ukrainian Warnings of New Russian Targeting of the Pipeline

Zelensky warned of the possibility that Russian forces might target the Druzhba pipeline again, emphasizing that energy infrastructure remains at risk amid the ongoing war.

He noted that the resumption of operations does not mean the end of threats, calling for enhanced protection and prevention of any further strikes that could affect energy supplies to Europe.

Calls for Sanctions on Russia and Diversifying European Energy Sources

The Ukrainian president called for the continued systematic imposition of sanctions on Russia due to the war, while emphasizing the need for Europe to accelerate efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian supplies.

He affirmed that the goal should be to make Europe more energy-independent and not leave it vulnerable to pressure from any party seeking to weaken it or affect its economic security.