Ukraine says Druzhba pipeline running Russian oil to Europe can resume work | Russia-Ukraine war News
Ukrainian President Reports Readiness to Resume Oil Pipeline Operations
Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday that a pipeline transporting Russian oil to Europe is prepared to resume operations following repairs made to infrastructure damaged during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy stated that the recent completion of repair work on the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukraine, could pave the way for the release of a vital €90 million ($106 million) loan from the European Union. This financial assistance has been previously blocked by Hungary, which relies heavily on Russian oil.
The pipeline sustained damage in January due to Russian military actions. However, both Hungary and Slovakia, which also depend on Russian oil, have alleged that Ukraine delayed the necessary repairs.
“The pipeline can resume operation,” Zelenskyy said, linking this development to the unblocking of much-needed European support for Ukraine. He emphasized that the European Council had already approved the support package.
Optimism is growing that Hungary might soon lift its veto on the loan, particularly in light of recent political shifts in the country, including the electoral defeat of pro-Kremlin Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Later in the day, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed expectation for a “positive decision” regarding the loan within the next 24 hours. EU ambassadors are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, where they are anticipated to approve the release of the funds.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU prohibited seaborne imports of Russian oil while maintaining legal land flows. Zelenskyy mentioned that he had discussed the loan’s unblocking with European Council President Antonio Costa, asserting that Ukraine has met the EU’s conditions related to the pipeline’s reopening.
The Kremlin indicated on Tuesday that Russia is technically ready to resume oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia, contingent upon Ukraine ceasing what it characterized as “blackmail.”
As Ukraine seeks EU funds to address pressing budgetary needs, the country has managed to secure alternative financing amidst Hungary’s delays in approving the loan.
In related developments, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil-pumping and dispatch facility linked to the Druzhba pipeline in Russia’s Samara region late Monday, according to an official from Ukraine’s SBU security service. The facility is located in the village of Prosvet in the Samara region.
