Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Druzhba oil pipeline will be repaired in the spring of this year, and affirmed that Ukraine will only perform the technical part according to the agreement, while the responsibility for ensuring Russian oil supply will belong to European countries.
Mr. Zelensky emphasized that Kiev "will complete the repair because it is a commitment" but also clarified that the operation and supply of Russian oil is no longer entirely in Ukraine's hands. This statement reflects a remarkable change in Kiev's approach to one of the most controversial energy routes in Europe.
The Druzhba pipeline - which transports Russian oil through Ukrainian territory to Hungary and Slovakia - was damaged in a drone attack at the end of January. According to Kiev, the main damage lies in storage tanks and auxiliary infrastructure, making the restoration process difficult, especially in the context of ongoing conflict.
However, the Ukrainian side said that most of the repair work has been carried out. More complex items, such as the destroyed storage system, will need more time to complete.
The Druzhba issue is not only a technical story but also a political lever in the relationship between Kiev and the European Union (EU). Mr. Zelensky admitted that the resumption of pipeline operations is closely linked to financial agreements from the EU for Ukraine. If this condition continues to be maintained, Kiev is ready to restore the transport route.
Previously, Hungary accused Ukraine of deliberately preventing oil transit and responded by blocking the EU's 90 billion euro loan package. Budapest has repeatedly affirmed that the pipeline can still operate, and accused Kiev of closing the valve for political motives, in order to influence the Hungarian parliamentary elections taking place on April 12.
At the European level, the European Commission (EC) said it is closely monitoring developments, and commented that Brussels and Kiev are "basically synchronized in terms of timelines" for the pipeline restoration in the spring. However, the agency declined to make further comments.
Notably, Mr. Zelensky previously admitted that he was "forced" to restore Druzhba, questioning whether resuming the flow of Russian oil is different from easing sanctions against Russia. "Do we sell Russian oil or not?" - he raised the issue, implying a contradiction in EU policy.
The upcoming completion of Druzhba may help reduce energy pressure for Central Europe, but at the same time expose deep divisions within Europe over how to respond to Russian oil and gas.
