Ukraine has offered the EU alternative routes for oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia, in particular via the Odesa–Brody pipeline.
Content of Ukraine’s letter to the EU
Ukraine suggests using the Odesa–Brody route instead of the Druzhba pipeline, which the Russian attack has damaged. Media outlet European Pravda reported this.
According to the report, the proposal is outlined in a letter dated February 20, 2026, from Ukraine’s Mission to the European Union addressed to the Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission.
“As a result of targeted attacks carried out by the aggressor state on January 27, 2026, significant damage was inflicted on elements of Ukraine’s oil transportation system, including technological and auxiliary equipment of the Druzhba pipeline,” the document states.
During the restoration period of the Druzhba pipeline, Ukraine offers alternative safe oil supply options to EU countries. Oil could be transported either through Ukrainian pipelines or by sea with transshipment at ports, followed by further delivery via the Odesa–Brody pipeline to EU member states.
Earlier, the European Council agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan for 2026–2027. However, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic refused to participate in the scheme. As a result, the EU summit approved an exemption for those countries.
Ukraine working on pipeline restoration
Ukrainian diplomats informed the European Commission that the damaged equipment is undergoing a detailed technical inspection. Ukrainian specialists are assessing the technical feasibility and conditions for promptly restoring oil transportation through the Druzhba pipeline.
“The Ukrainian side would like to emphasize that the uninterrupted and stable functioning of oil transportation infrastructure is only possible if the Russian Federation ceases its massive missile and drone attacks aimed at destroying Ukraine’s energy infrastructure,” the diplomats stated.
The letter also notes that Ukrainian specialists have to carry out emergency repair work under the constant threat of airstrikes, risking their lives.
Context
On January 27, Russian forces struck a section of the Druzhba pipeline in the Lviv region. Oil transit through the pipeline was halted at the end of January. As a result, several EU countries stopped receiving oil supplies. Hungary accused Ukraine of politically preventing the resumption of Russian oil deliveries. Péter Szijjártó stated that there were no technical obstacles to restoring supplies.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Hungary and Slovakia had appealed to Croatia to ensure the transportation of Russian oil via the Adria pipeline. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also said he would halt energy assistance to Ukraine. He is going to do it if Kyiv doesn’t resume oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
