Hungary and Slovakia Form Inquiry into 'Druzhba' Pipeline Incident, Issue Demands to Ukraine.

Hungary and Slovakia Establish Joint Commission

According to TSN.ua: Hungary and Slovakia have formed a joint commission to investigate damage to the 'Druzhba' oil pipeline in Ukraine. They are urging Kyiv to grant access to the accident site and to resume the flow of Russian oil. The pipeline was damaged on January 27, with Ukraine stating the incident was caused by a Russian drone strike. This development highlights the ongoing energy security challenges in Central Europe, even as the EU broadly seeks to reduce reliance on Russian supplies.

Hungary and Slovakia are the only European Union nations that continue to import Russian crude oil. In a related move, the Hungarian oil company MOL has ordered tankers carrying crude from Saudi Arabia, Norway, Kazakhstan, and Libya, signaling a search for alternative sources.

Call for Cooperation

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to provide the commission with access and the necessary working conditions. This appeal underscores the need for cross-border cooperation to resolve the pipeline dispute and restore supply stability.

“The establishment of a joint Hungary-Slovakia commission may indicate these countries' intent to maintain energy sector collaboration, despite rising geopolitical tensions.”

Securing access to the accident site and restoring oil deliveries has become critically important for regional energy security. The situation underscores the complex reality for some EU members who remain dependent on Russian energy resources, even as the bloc pursues broader decoupling efforts.