Kyiv greenlights EU plan to restore the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Dispute over Druzhba

According to TSN.ua: The European Union’s offer of financial and technical assistance to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline—damaged by Russian strikes—has been accepted by Ukraine. This agreement marks a significant step toward ensuring stable energy deliveries to European nations. The EU pledged both funding and expert support, which Kyiv has now embraced.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that EU specialists are ready to begin work immediately.

“The EU proposed technical support and financing to Ukraine. Ukraine accepted this proposal. European experts are available right away,”

Consultations and political statements

Meanwhile, the EU has launched intensive discussions with Ukraine and other European countries about resuming oil transit. Hungary and Slovakia are central to these efforts. However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó recently claimed that Ukraine had refused talks on restarting the pipeline. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused Kyiv of imposing an “oil blockade.” Ukraine, for its part, insists that all decisions are made with security risks in mind, underscoring the complexity of the Druzhba situation.

Restoring the Druzhba pipeline carries major implications not only for Ukraine but for Europe’s overall energy security. The project highlights the region’s intricate geopolitical dynamics and the challenge of balancing diverse national interests. For now, EU and Ukrainian efforts are focused on securing stable oil supplies—a critical priority amid Europe’s ongoing energy crisis.