Hungary–Ukraine row deepens over Druzhba pipeline shutdown

Druzhba dispute deepens despite EU-backed repairs

Ukraine’s decision to accept support from the European Union to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline has not resolved its dispute with Hungary. Budapest continues to block a €90 billion EU support package for Ukraine and signals it will also oppose new sanctions on Russia until oil transit resumes, turning a supply issue into a broader political standoff.

Repairs under way, restart uncertain

The pipeline has been offline since late January after damage in western Ukraine, which Kyiv attributes to a Russian strike. Hungary and Slovakia say the restart has been delayed too long, while Ukraine argues repairs are technically complex.

Kyiv has now accepted EU assistance, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said restoration could take around six weeks if no further attacks occur. Oil flows have not yet resumed.

Hungary maintains pressure

Hungary has not eased its position. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Budapest will continue blocking EU funding and sanctions decisions until Druzhba restarts. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has also called for verification of the damage and sent a delegation to Ukraine, which Kyiv did not recognize as official.

Wider impact on EU policy

The dispute now affects broader EU decision-making. Brussels is supporting repairs while Hungary uses the outage as leverage, making the issue a test of EU unity on Ukraine.

At the same time, regional responses are shifting. Hungary and Slovakia plan a new pipeline between their refineries, and the Czech Republic is preparing contingency options, signaling longer-term adaptation.

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