Druzhba oil pipeline: Ukraine completes repairs, Hungary less worried?
The Ukrainian president announced the completion of repairs to the Druzhba pipeline. This move comes amid escalating energy tensions, particularly between Ukraine and Hungary.
According to RIA Novosti, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv has completed maintenance. "Ukraine has finished the repair work on the Druzhba pipeline," President Zelensky announced on Telegram on April 21. Experts have ensured the basic conditions for the system to resume operation.
On January 27, Ukraine halted the transport of Russian oil through this pipeline system. The route's destination was Slovakia and Hungary. Kyiv cited technical damage as the reason. However, Hungarian and Slovak officials maintained that the pipeline was functioning perfectly normally.
At that time, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban criticized Ukraine, claiming that Kyiv was implementing an "oil blockade" against Budapest, aiming to drive up fuel prices and create discontent ahead of the elections.
In fact, Orban had hoped that Ukraine would reopen the Druzhba pipeline after the Hungarian parliamentary elections (held on April 12). However, that did not happen, even though Peter Magyar's "Tisza" party won.
In February 2026, Hungary stopped supplying diesel fuel to Ukraine. It also blocked a €90 billion loan from the European Union (EU) intended for Kyiv.
Budapest insisted that Ukraine resume pumping Russian oil, only then would they lift their veto on the loan. Meanwhile, Brussels and Kyiv wanted to do the opposite.
Recently, Peter Magyar, who just won the Hungarian election, demanded that Zelensky stop "blackmailing" through the Druzhba pipeline. He demanded that Ukraine immediately resume transit operations. Slovakia also warned it would block the EU's 20th round of sanctions against Russia, and called on the European Commission to intervene immediately.
According to the Independent, Magyar's ultimatum is a bad sign. It shows that the EU's policy towards Ukraine is closely tied to Russian energy.
Brussels initially rejoiced at Magyar's victory, as it signaled the beginning of Viktor Orban's era – a leader who defied European policy. But the reality this week is far more complex.
Mr. Magyar is willing to drop his veto on a crucial loan for Kyiv. However, the prerequisite is the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline. The defeat of Mr. Orban's party was seen as a turning point. Many thought Budapest would pivot away from Moscow. However, Mr. Magyar's stance suggests a more subtle rapprochement.
On April 21, Peter Magyar once again called on Ukraine to keep its promises. He affirmed that he would not accept any concessions.
