Zelenskyy announced the launch dates for “Druzhba”: how this relates to funding for Ukraine
20 April 22:49
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview during the “Yedyny Novyny” telethon that the Druzhba oil pipeline will resume operations by the end of April. Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with preparations for the launch, reports that Ukraine plans to resume oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline as early as Tuesday, April 21, following technical tests of the damaged section, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
This refers to the route that, prior to being damaged by a Russian attack in January, transported oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
The issue of restoring the Druzhba pipeline has not only energy but also political significance. The launch of the pipeline could pave the way for the release of a €90 billion aid package for Ukraine, which has so far been blocked by Hungary. An item has already appeared on the agenda of the Coreper meeting on April 22 that could allow for the final approval of this decision.
What is known about the resumption of “Druzhba”
According to Bloomberg, Ukraine expects oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline to resume as early as April 21. Technical tests of the damaged section are to be conducted beforehand. This refers to the resumption of the route through which Russian oil was delivered to Hungary and Slovakia.
During an interview on the “Yedyni Novyny” telethon, Zelenskyy addressed the issue of the Druzhba pipeline, which, in his words, remains a sensitive matter.
“I know there is a painful issue for us—the Druzhba oil pipeline. When will it start operating? It will be ready to operate by the end of April. I know my position: I do not support the sale of Russian oil,” he noted.
The president also emphasized the need for all parties to fulfill their agreements and to seek alternative energy sources.
“I know that for Hungarians, this is a fundamental condition. Germany and other EU countries are also emphasizing this. We agreed that this must work, but in the meantime, alternative sources must be prepared,” Zelenskyy said.
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He emphasized that Ukraine is fulfilling its obligations and expects the same from its partners.
“That is why, for our part, we are fulfilling what we promised by the end of April. I think the Hungarians will also fulfill their obligations and unblock the 90 billion,” he added.
Why “Druzhba” Has Become a Political Issue for the EU
The operation of the “Druzhba” oil pipeline has become part of a broader dispute between Ukraine, Hungary, and certain EU countries. Hungary has linked its position on a large loan package for Ukraine to the resumption of oil transit. According to Reuters, the Hungarian side stated explicitly: if supplies via “Druzhba” resume, it is ready to no longer block the loan decision.
At the same time, Slovakia also insisted on guarantees that the pipeline would resume operations and linked this issue to further EU decisions, particularly regarding energy and sanctions policy. This makes “Druzhba” not merely a technical infrastructure but a key element in negotiations within the European Union. This conclusion follows from the parties’ public statements and the agenda of European institutions.
The context surrounding the loan
It is worth recalling that the issue of allocating €90 billion to Ukraine has been accompanied by prolonged discussions within the EU. In particular, Slovakia stated that it would block the 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia, citing the protection of its own economic interests, specifically the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Earlier, the European Commission had already postponed the disbursement of the first tranche from this loan package. The decision to postpone the disbursement was made amid uncertainty regarding the positions of certain EU member states.
At the same time, following the parliamentary elections in Hungary, the situation began to change. The country’s new leader, Péter Magyar, whose “Tisa” party secured victory, hinted at a willingness to unblock €90 billion for Ukraine, which kicked off new negotiations between Kyiv, Budapest, and Brussels.
How the pipeline’s restoration is linked to the €90 billion for Ukraine
According to Bloomberg, the restart of “Druzhba” could be a condition for unblocking the EU’s €90 billion loan for Ukraine. This decision is currently being held up by a Hungarian veto, but as early as April 22, EU ambassadors could give final approval at the Coreper level.
Thus, the resumption of oil transit via “Druzhba” is effectively becoming part of a major political compromise. Ukraine is fulfilling its promise to repair the pipeline and, in return, expects Budapest to unblock this crucial financial decision.
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