The European Union has offered Ukraine financial and technical assistance to restore the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline, with Kyiv accepting the proposal, based on a joint statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
The statement notes that following renewed Russian strikes on the Druzhba pipeline on January 27—which disrupted crude oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia—EU officials engaged in intensive negotiations with member states and Ukraine to resume deliveries.
“After the renewed attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, which led to the suspension of crude oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, we and our teams have been conducting intensive discussions at all levels with member states and Ukraine to restore oil flows,” the statement reads.
Von der Leyen and Costa confirmed that Ukraine has responded positively to the EU’s offer of support.
“The European Union has предложed technical assistance and financing to Ukraine. The Ukrainian side has accepted this offer. European experts stand ready,” the statement said.
The EU leaders noted that ensuring energy security for all European citizens remains a top priority.
“In this context, the European Commission will continue working with stakeholders to identify alternative routes for the transit of non-Russian crude oil to Central and Eastern European countries,” the statement adds.
Meanwhile, Hungary reiterated on Monday that it will continue to block a proposed €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine and oppose new sanctions against Russia as long as oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline remain suspended. Oil deliveries through the pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia have been halted since late January.
Kyiv maintains that the disruption was caused by Russian strikes damaging the pipeline, while Slovakia and Hungary have accused Ukraine of being responsible for the supply interruption.
