Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on 21/4 that Ukraine finished repairing the section of the Druzhba oil pipeline damaged by a Russian attack. The pipeline is now ready to resume operations. Sources from Reuters news agency indicated Ukraine expects to restart oil transportation through the pipeline today.
The Druzhba pipeline, which passes through Ukrainian territory, is crucial for distributing Russian oil to European nations such as Hungary and Slovakia. The system ceased operations on 27/1, with Ukraine attributing the shutdown to damage to its infrastructure caused by a Russian drone (UAV) attack.
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A pumping station at the end of the Druzhba pipeline at the PCK refinery in Germany in 2007. Photo: AP |
The pipeline's shutdown led to heightened tensions. Hungary and Slovakia accused Ukraine of politically delaying the resumption of oil transport via the Druzhba pipeline, an accusation Kiev has repeatedly denied. Tensions escalated since mid-February, when Hungary and Slovakia announced the suspension of diesel exports to Ukraine.
The resumption of the pipeline is also linked to a significant financial aid package for Ukraine. President Zelensky expressed hope that the European Union (EU) would disburse a loan worth 106 billion USD to Ukraine in the coming days, noting that all related obstacles have been removed. This loan had been blocked by Hungary, primarily due to the halt in Russian oil transportation through the Druzhba pipeline.
In a letter sent to European Council President Antonio Costa on 20/4, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirmed that Hungary had received signals indicating Ukraine's readiness to resume oil transport through the Druzhba pipeline. He added that Budapest would "immediately" unblock the loan for Kiev once this resumption takes place. President Zelensky affirmed that Ukraine had implemented the EU's proposal and discussed the approval of the financial aid package with President Costa.
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The location of the Druzhba pipeline (blue). Graphic: Aspenia Online |
President Zelensky also warned of the possibility of Russia attacking the oil pipeline once again. However, he affirmed that Ukrainian experts have laid the groundwork for the full restoration of the system and equipment. Russian officials have not yet commented on the information.
By Pham Giang (AFP, Reuters)
