Ukraine targets Druzhba pipeline to sever Russian oil, influence in EU
Summary
The European Union released a €90 billion loan to Ukraine after Ukraine repaired the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Hungary lifted its veto on the loan because it depends on this pipeline, despite concerns that paying Russia for oil indirectly supports its war efforts in Ukraine.Key Facts
- The EU approved a €90 billion loan to Ukraine on April 23, conditional on repairing the Druzhba pipeline.
- The Druzhba pipeline supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, which depend on it as their main crude source.
- Hungary lifted its veto on the loan after Ukraine fixed the damaged pipeline.
- Russia’s oil exports to Europe have dropped due to damage from the conflict and sanctions.
- Some EU countries stopped using Druzhba oil, but Hungary and Slovakia rely heavily on it and have limited alternatives.
- Importing refined oil products is costly and would harm Hungary’s and Slovakia’s economies, especially their refineries.
- Damage to the pipeline occurred in a Russian air raid, preventing repairs for some time due to safety concerns.
- EU leaders and Hungary pressured Ukraine to allow inspections and repair work on the pipeline.
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