Ukrtransnafta has announced the completion of repair work on the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba oil pipeline, with the company prepared to resume crude oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia as of April 21, 2026.
The announcement, made to MOL, confirmed that the state-owned company lifted the force majeure status that had been in effect since January 27, 2026. The repairs were finalized by 18:00 on April 21, 2026.
On January 27, a Russian attack in Brody, Lviv Oblast, damaged critical infrastructure, leading to a halt in oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. The attack resulted in a fire and disrupted operations at the facility.
Despite the damages, the Druzhba pipeline remains operational for transporting Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga stated that oil supplies were suspended due to the attack and noted Hungary’s plans to file complaints regarding transit issues.
He criticized Hungary for not protesting against Russia, suggesting a lack of accountability. In response to the disruption, both Hungary and Slovakia announced a halt on diesel exports to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline are restored.
The Ukrainian government has informed Budapest about the attack and subsequent damages, asserting that accusations of delays in oil deliveries are unfounded. The European Commission expressed a desire for Ukraine to resume operations on the Druzhba pipeline, although they acknowledged the risks of further Russian attacks.
On February 21, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that Slovakia would cease electricity exports to Ukraine if oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline was not restored. Similar statements were made by the Hungarian government.
Ukraine has proposed to the European Union the use of the Odessa-Brody pipeline as an alternative for oil supplies to the EU, given the damage to the Druzhba pipeline.
On February 27, Orban announced the formation of a joint investigative commission with Slovakia to assess the condition of the Druzhba pipeline. Subsequently, on March 11, a Hungarian delegation reportedly arrived in Ukraine, led by State Secretary Gábor Csepregi, to evaluate the pipeline’s status. However, President Zelensky stated he was unaware of any such visit, as there had been no arrangements made with the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
Ukrtransnafta has officially completed repairs on the Druzhba pipeline, allowing for the resumption of oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia. This follows a Russian attack that previously halted operations, leading to diplomatic tensions regarding oil supplies in the region.