Oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, a critical artery for energy supply to several European nations, remain disrupted as Ukraine continues to delay a full resumption of operations following a recent attack on a Russian pumping station. The situation has sparked a diplomatic row, with Slovakia threatening to halt electricity exports to Ukraine unless deliveries restart, and Hungary voicing strong concerns over the continued disruption.
According to the Slovak Ministry of Economy, a potential restart date of has been postponed, with Ukraine offering no explanation for the delay. This follows an incident on , when the Druzhba pipeline was damaged in what Russian authorities described as a strike.
The impasse is particularly acute for Slovakia and Hungary, both of which rely on the Druzhba pipeline for a significant portion of their oil needs. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on that Bratislava would suspend emergency electricity exports to Ukraine until the pipeline is fully operational. Hungary has echoed these concerns, with Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó urging Ukraine to cease attacks on the pipeline infrastructure and calling for a swift return to normal operations. Earlier, Szijjártó indicated that any restart would initially involve “test mode with smaller quantities.”
The Druzhba pipeline is notable for being exempt from the European Union’s ban on most Russian oil imports, imposed in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in . This exemption reflects the strategic importance of the pipeline for the energy security of landlocked nations like Hungary and Slovakia, which have limited alternative supply routes.
The current disruption is not solely a matter of energy supply. Hungary has taken the unusual step of banning entry to the commander of the Ukrainian unit allegedly responsible for the attack on the Druzhba pipeline, signaling a significant escalation in tensions. Hungary has blocked a new package of European Union sanctions against Russia, as well as a proposed €90 billion loan to Ukraine, linking these decisions to the pipeline issue.
The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Eastern Europe. While international support for Ukraine remains strong, the dependence of some nations on Russian energy resources creates vulnerabilities and complicates the EU’s unified approach to sanctions and aid. The pipeline’s vulnerability to attack also underscores the risks to critical infrastructure in the context of the ongoing conflict.
The delay in repairs and resumption of flows has prompted accusations from both Hungary and Slovakia that Ukraine is deliberately stalling. Both countries jointly called on the European Commission last to pressure Kyiv to halt attacks on the Druzhba pipeline. Simultaneously, both nations temporarily suspended diesel fuel deliveries to Ukraine.
Despite the political tensions, public sentiment in Slovakia remains largely supportive of Ukraine. Thousands of people in Bratislava took to the streets to demonstrate their solidarity with Ukraine, even as they criticized the government’s decision to halt electricity exports. Demonstrators reportedly marched towards the Russian embassy, chanting slogans denouncing both Russia and Prime Minister Fico’s policies.
The resumption of oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline on , following the initial attack, offered a brief respite. However, the current delay underscores the fragility of the situation and the potential for further disruptions. Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Denisa Saková expressed hope that operations would remain stable, but acknowledged the risk of further attacks on energy infrastructure.
Ukraine has reportedly not provided a firm date for the full resumption of oil deliveries, leaving Hungary and Slovakia in a state of uncertainty. The lack of communication from Kyiv is fueling frustration and raising questions about the long-term reliability of the Druzhba pipeline as a source of energy supply for Central Europe. The situation is being closely monitored by the European Commission, which is attempting to mediate a resolution and ensure the continued flow of energy to member states.
The broader implications of the Druzhba pipeline disruption extend beyond the immediate energy concerns. It serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of energy security and geopolitical stability in Europe, and the challenges of balancing support for Ukraine with the need to maintain reliable energy supplies for all nations.
