The European Union is exploring financial aid for Ukraine to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline facility. This initiative aims to resolve a deadlock caused by Hungary and Slovakia. Both countries currently block vital financial support for Kyiv and new sanctions against Russia. They demand the restoration of oil flows before approving further EU measures.
Bloomberg reported the proposal on Thursday, March 5, citing sources familiar with the discussions. The European Commission may release funds through existing budgetary assistance channels. Furthermore, the EU offers technical expertise to evaluate the infrastructure. Officials are discussing a fact-finding mission to verify the extent of the damage on-site.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that repairs would take up to six weeks. However, he remains skeptical about restarting the transit of Russian oil.
“I will be frank: I wouldn’t restore it. This is my position, and I have shared it with European leaders. This is Russian oil,” Zelenskyy stated.
Conflict Over Damage and Political Pressure
Russian forces attacked the Druzhba facility in January 2026. The strike caused a massive fire that took ten days to extinguish. The attack destroyed storage tanks, power cables, and leak detection systems. Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi noted that Russia has targeted the facility nearly twenty times since the full-scale invasion began.
Hungary and Slovakia have largely ignored the reality of the Russian attack. Instead, Budapest accuses Kyiv of withholding supplies for political reasons. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has vowed to block a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine until oil flows resume. Additionally, Hungary refuses to use alternative routes through Croatia, claiming Russian oil is cheaper.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that the Slovak government approved the termination of emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. This decision coincided with Bratislava’s demands regarding the Druzhba pipeline operations.
