The European Union is exploring the possibility of providing financial assistance to Ukraine for the repair of the Druzhba oil pipeline, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. This move aims to facilitate support from Hungary and Slovakia amid ongoing disputes regarding energy supplies.
Sources indicate that the European Commission may offer budgetary assistance to Ukraine, along with technical expertise to aid in the repairs. The discussions come in light of significant damage inflicted on the pipeline during a Russian attack in January, which resulted in a fire that lasted ten days and caused extensive damage to storage facilities and equipment.
Serhiy Koretsky, CEO of Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz, previously reported that the Druzhba pipeline has been targeted nearly twenty times since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Repair operations have often been conducted under the threat of further attacks, raising safety concerns for workers involved in the restoration efforts.
Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of withholding oil supplies while questioning the extent of the damage. Neither country has acknowledged the January attack, which has contributed to rising tensions within the EU. The blockade of aid from Hungary has frustrated EU officials, who argue that Budapest has failed to uphold its commitment made in December to support Ukraine.
In addition to the financial discussions, EU ambassadors convened to address Hungary’s refusal to consider alternatives to Russian energy supplies, such as imports via Croatia, citing the lower costs of oil from Russia. Meanwhile, the European Commission is negotiating with Kyiv regarding a potential mission to assess the damage to the Druzhba pipeline.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed a desire to coordinate with the European Commission on the pipeline issue before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Fico has also presented satellite images at a press conference, claiming they confirm the absence of critical damage to the Druzhba pipeline.
The EU is considering financial aid for Ukraine to repair the damaged Druzhba pipeline, aiming to resolve disputes with Hungary and Slovakia. Ongoing tensions over energy supplies and accusations of withholding aid complicate the situation as the EU seeks to assess the pipeline's condition.
Source: Bloomberg