Ukraine and EU Agree on Druzhba Pipeline Restoration Amid Funding Debate

Ukraine has formally accepted a proposal from the European Union to finance the restoration of the Druzhba oil pipeline, damaged in Russian strikes, with repairs expected to begin soon and potentially resume transit within six weeks. However, the resumption of oil flow is entangled in a debate over EU funding for Ukraine, as Hungary insists on the pipeline’s repair as a condition for releasing aid.

Pipeline Damage and Repair Efforts

Russian strikes damaged the Druzhba pipeline in late January, halting oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the agreement with the EU on repairs in a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.¹

According to Zelensky, work on a bypass line is nearing completion, and the Brody pumping station could be operational within approximately six weeks, provided there are no further attacks from Russia.¹ The EU will cover the costs of the repair work and will dispatch technical specialists to support the effort. EU officials have stated that experts are ready to begin work immediately.¹

Hungary’s Stance and Funding Linkage

Hungary, which maintains political and energy ties with Moscow, has accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying the resumption of oil supplies.¹ Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stated that Ukraine must resume oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline in order to receive funding from Brussels.¹ “If there is no oil, there is no money,” Orbán emphasized.¹

Ukraine’s Response

Ukraine has denied deliberately obstructing the transportation of oil through the Druzhba pipeline, asserting that claims to the contrary are unfounded.¹ Preliminary assessments indicate that one of the damaged oil storage tanks may not be repairable, prompting Ukraine to consider building underground storage infrastructure as a more resilient solution.¹

Broader Context: EU Membership and European Relations

This situation unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing discussions regarding Ukraine’s potential EU membership. President Zelensky has recently voiced frustration with the pace of European support and integration, urging Europe to step up its efforts or risk being left behind.² Experts suggest that the EU’s current enlargement model is ill-suited for a country at war and rebuilding its economy.³ A “membership lite” approach has been proposed as a potential way to accelerate Ukraine’s integration with the EU.³ Zelensky expects Ukraine to join the European Union even earlier than 2030.⁴