The Druzhba oil pipeline, a key artery for Russian oil supplies to Europe, is ready to resume operations, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Ukraine has completed repairs to the section of the Druzhba oil pipeline that was damaged in a Russian attack”, Zelensky said on Tuesday.
Recent supply shortages have triggered a backlash, particularly in Hungary and Slovakia, which still rely heavily on Russian oil imports. The situation has also escalated into political tensions within the European Union.
In response to the shortfall, the Hungarian government has threatened to halt energy aid to Ukraine. At the same time, Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked the financial support package for Kyiv previously agreed by the European Commission.
Zelensky has indicated that the resumption of pipeline operations could also help unblock funding for Ukraine. The country, whose war budget depends heavily on foreign aid, expects to receive around €90bn ($98bn).
“We link this to the unblocking of the European support package for Ukraine, which has already been approved by the European Council”, the Ukrainian president said.
Moscow has indicated it is ready to resume deliveries. The Kremlin said on Tuesday that there was nothing technically preventing the resumption of oil flows through Druzhba.
Later, Reuters reported that Ukraine would resume oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline on Wednesday afternoon. “Oil pumping is expected to begin on Wednesday at noon,” the source said, adding that the Hungarian oil company MOL had submitted the first transit request. “MOL has already submitted requests for the first volumes, which will be distributed in equal proportions to Hungary and Slovakia.”
(reuters, lud, pir)