EU urges Ukraine to fast-track Druzhba pipeline repairs

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — The European Commission has urged Ukraine to accelerate repairs on the Druzhba oil pipeline in an effort to resolve a deepening energy crisis fueled by Hungary’s veto of a €90 billion EU aid package.

Following a meeting of technical experts in Brussels, officials called on Kyiv to prioritize the restoration of the pipeline, which was damaged during Russian attacks. The request comes as Hungary and Slovakia continue to block aid and new sanctions against Russia, citing concerns over their national energy security.

Alternative routes and supply security

The Adriatic pipeline (JANAF), running through Croatia, has emerged as the most viable alternative to the Druzhba route. The Croatian operator stated it is ready to act as Central Europe’s strategic energy hub, asserting that JANAF can meet the full annual crude oil requirements of refineries in Slovakia and Hungary. An EU Commission spokesperson noted after the expert meeting that there is currently "no immediate risk" to supply security, suggesting that if alternatives to Russian oil are secured, the deadlock over sanctions could be resolved.

Tensions between Kyiv and Budapest

The repair request, initially raised during EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Kyiv, was met with caution by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy highlighted the ongoing risks of rebuilding infrastructure while Russian strikes continue, questioning the human cost of repeatedly repairing targets that Russia continues to strike. "What is it for? To lose more people? I think the price of this is very high," Zelenskyy remarked.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban maintains that the crisis is political rather than technical. Facing general elections on April 12, Orban has taken a hardline stance against both Kyiv and Brussels, announcing plans to deploy soldiers to protect oil infrastructure and declaring a no-fly zone for drones at the border. "Hungary cannot be blackmailed!" Orban stated on social media.

April deadline and ongoing uncertainty

Brussels is working to release the €90 billion credit for Ukraine by April while simultaneously managing the energy security demands of its member states. Although Ukraine has documented that repair work is underway, officials in Kyiv emphasize that providing a definitive timeline is impossible as long as the Russian threat to civilian infrastructure persists.

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