Ukraine Accelerates Druzhba Pipeline Repairs Amid EU Support

Ukraine has agreed to the EU's offer for technical and financial aid to repair the damaged Druzhba pipeline, vital for oil supply to Hungary and Slovakia. President Zelenskiy foresees pipeline repairs finishing in 1.5 months, conditional on no further Russian attacks. Hungary's opposition to a major loan for Ukraine hinges on restoring oil flows.

Ukraine has embraced the European Union's proposal to assist technically and financially in restoring oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia through the impaired Druzhba pipeline, according to EU Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in correspondence with the EU, signaled progress in pipeline repairs, anticipating completion within a month and a half, given no further Russian offensives. Hungary maintains a blockade on a substantial 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, contingent on the halted Druzhba oil flow resuming.

Oil transport through the Druzhba pipeline ceased in late January, attributed to a Russian attack by Kyiv, while Hungary and Slovakia allege Ukrainian responsibility. Zelenskiy refuted claims of purposeful obstruction in a letter to Costa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. EU leadership underlined the critical significance of oil flow restoration for market stability, alongside their phased commitment to ending Russian oil imports by 2027.

(With inputs from agencies.)