Ukraine's Pipeline Predicament: EU Aid Accepted Amidst Political Tensions

Ukraine has accepted EU technical support to restore oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline but signaled a delay in resumption of Russian crude deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy denied accusations of obstruction while Hungary links the issue to blocking EU financial aid and sanctions on Russia.

Ukraine accepted the European Union's offer for technical and financial assistance to restore oil flows through the damaged Druzhba pipeline earlier this week. Nonetheless, prospects for the resumption of Russian crude deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia remain uncertain as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy indicated it could take several weeks.

Both Hungary and Slovakia have faced oil shortages since late January, following a Russian strike on pipeline equipment in western Ukraine. Despite accusations from Hungary and Slovakia that Ukraine is obstructing the resumption of oil flows, Kyiv has denied any intentional delays.

The ongoing oil supply disruption has escalated into a larger political dispute, with Hungary blocking a significant EU loan to Ukraine, valued at 90 billion euros, and new sanctions against Russia until oil flows are restored. Meanwhile, the EU reiterated its pledge to phase out Russian oil imports by 2027, a move resisted by Hungary and Slovakia.

(With inputs from agencies.)