Zelensky: Druzhba Repairs to Be Completed in Spring
Ukraine has made significant progress in repairing the Druzhba oil pipeline, damaged in a Russian drone strike, and plans to complete the work in the spring, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Based on earlier statements, oil flows were expected to resume in April, but he did not repeat that timeline. However, energy sector sources say repairs could be completed as early as this month.
The disruption has particularly affected Hungary and Slovakia, which have not received oil through Ukrainian territory since the end of January. Both countries accuse Kyiv of delaying the repairs, which Ukraine denies.
Zelensky said the repairs are proceeding as agreed but that some damage, in particular destroyed storage tanks, will require more time.
The case has become political, partly due to a lack of transparency. Kyiv has refused to allow independent experts to visit the site of the incident. Hungary is therefore blocking a €90bn EU loan to Ukraine until transit is restored.
The situation is further complicated by forthcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban is facing pressure from the opposition. Druzhba may therefore be used as political leverage by various actors.