Ukraine Accepts EU Support to Restore Druzhba Oil Pipeline Amidst Tensions with Hungary

On March 17, 2026, Ukraine accepted the European Union's offer of technical and financial support to repair the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline, which has been offline since late January due to a Russian strike. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions with Hungary and Slovakia, which rely on the pipeline for Russian oil supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that repairs are expected to be completed within approximately one and a half months, contingent upon no further Russian attacks.

The Straits TimesThe European Union will help Ukraine restore Druzhba and resume oil transitReutersUkraine to resume transit of Russian oil via Druzhba in a month and a halfBloombergZelenskyy says restoring Druzhba would amount to easing sanctions on RussiaRFI (Radio France Internationale)

The Druzhba pipeline, a crucial route for transporting Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, has been a focal point of contention since it was damaged in a Russian attack. Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying repairs, linking the issue to a €90 billion EU loan package intended for Ukraine's war efforts. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stated that he will continue to block this financial aid until oil flows are restored, framing the situation as a matter of economic necessity.

Zelenskyy says restoring Druzhba would amount to easing sanctions on RussiaReutersOrban will block aid to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline are fully restoredThe Straits TimesBloombergRFI (Radio France Internationale)Politico Europe

In a letter to EU leaders, Zelenskyy emphasized that allegations of Ukraine obstructing oil transportation are unfounded. He welcomed the EU's support for repairs, stating, "We are undertaking all possible efforts to repair the damage and restore operations." EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa reiterated the importance of restoring oil flows for market stability and Ukraine's contractual obligations.

The European Union will help Ukraine restore Druzhba and resume oil transit

Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó dismissed the EU's assistance as a "political game," accusing Ukraine of using the pipeline issue to influence Hungary's upcoming elections. Orbán has publicly stated, "If there is no oil, there is no money," reinforcing Hungary's position that the restoration of oil supplies is essential for financial support to Ukraine.

Orban will block aid to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline are fully restored

The dispute over the Druzhba pipeline extends beyond energy logistics; it reflects deeper geopolitical tensions within the EU regarding sanctions on Russia and financial aid to Ukraine. The outcome of this situation could influence not only energy security in Central Europe but also the EU's financial commitments to Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Zelenskyy says restoring Druzhba would amount to easing sanctions on RussiaThe European Union will help Ukraine restore Druzhba and resume oil transitThe Straits TimesReuters€90bn Ukraine package edges forward as EU launches Druzhba repair supportEU offers financial, technical support to restore Druzhba Pipeline; Ukraine accepts

While Ukraine maintains that the pipeline's disruption is due to Russian attacks, Hungary and Slovakia assert that Kyiv is responsible for the delays. This disagreement complicates the EU's efforts to mediate the situation and restore oil flows.

Politico EuropeReutersZelenskyy says restoring Druzhba would amount to easing sanctions on RussiaEU offers financial, technical support to restore Druzhba Pipeline; Ukraine acceptsThe Straits Times€90bn Ukraine package edges forward as EU launches Druzhba repair supportThe European Union will help Ukraine restore Druzhba and resume oil transit

As EU leaders prepare for a summit on March 19-20, the resolution of the Druzhba pipeline issue is expected to be a key topic. The EU hopes that progress on this front will facilitate the approval of the €90 billion loan package for Ukraine, although Hungary's firm stance suggests that significant diplomatic negotiations will be necessary.

€90bn Ukraine package edges forward as EU launches Druzhba repair support

• “If Zelenskiy wants to get his money from Brussels, he needs to open the Druzhba pipeline,” — Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary

Bloomberg

• “Allegations that Ukraine is deliberately obstructing oil transportation through the Druzhba pipeline are unfounded,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Reuters

• “Our priority is to ensure energy security for all European citizens,” — Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Politico Europe

• “ "We call on (Zelensky) and (von der Leyen) to stop this political theatre.” — Péter Szijártó, Hungarian Foreign Minister

Kyiv Independent

This situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as the EU navigates the complex interplay of energy security, financial aid, and geopolitical tensions.

Politico Europe