Following Russian attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline in late January, which disrupted oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, European Union leaders have engaged in discussions with member states and Ukraine to restore transit operations. This was confirmed in a joint statement released on March 17 by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, President of the European Council.
The EU has offered Ukraine technical support and funding to facilitate the restoration of the pipeline. Ukrainian officials expressed their appreciation for this assistance, indicating that European experts are prepared to commence work immediately.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reassured that Ukraine remains a reliable energy partner for the EU. He dismissed allegations that Ukraine is intentionally obstructing oil transportation through the Druzhba pipeline as baseless.
The Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil through Ukraine to Europe, is crucial for Hungary and Slovakia. However, Ukrainian officials have stated that the pipeline was damaged due to Russian shelling. Hungarian and Slovak officials have rejected this claim, asserting that recently published satellite data shows no technical or operational issues preventing the pipeline from resuming normal operations.
On March 11, Hungary’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Gábor Čepel, announced that a delegation from Hungary traveled to Ukraine to negotiate the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline and assess its condition. He emphasized the mission’s goal of firmly representing Hungarian interests in the discussions and facilitating the reopening of the pipeline.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that while a group of Hungarian citizens entered Ukraine, they did so under general regulations and do not hold official status or scheduled meetings, making it inaccurate to refer to them as a delegation.
EU leaders are actively working to restore oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline after disruptions caused by Russian attacks. Ukraine has welcomed the EU's support, while both sides engage in discussions to address the situation and clarify misunderstandings regarding the pipeline's condition.