“Druzhba” as a Bargaining Chip: Ukraine Agrees to Inspection for €90B
World
Ukraine has agreed to an external inspection of the Druzhba oil pipeline with EU support, aiming to unlock a €90 billion loan currently blocked by Hungary.
Brussels announced that Kyiv accepted the EU’s offer of technical assistance and funding for the inspection and repair of the damaged pipeline. European experts are ready to begin work immediately.
The move is seen as an attempt to ease political tensions ahead of an EU summit, where Hungary’s veto on the financial aid package will be a key issue.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán argues that the pipeline remains operational and claims its shutdown is politically motivated, linking the issue to upcoming elections.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously rejected calls to restore the pipeline but later acknowledged significant damage caused by attacks.
According to him, damage to the pumping station in Brody makes safe oil transit impossible, and repairs could take up to six weeks if no further strikes occur.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa stressed that restoring the pipeline has gained importance amid energy market instability and rising oil prices.
The EU also reiterated that temporary measures will not alter its long-term goal of phasing out Russian fossil fuels by 2027.
It remains unclear whether the compromise will be enough for Hungary to lift its veto before the April 12 elections.
The move is seen as an attempt to ease political tensions ahead of an EU summit, where Hungary’s veto on the financial aid package will be a key issue.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán argues that the pipeline remains operational and claims its shutdown is politically motivated, linking the issue to upcoming elections.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously rejected calls to restore the pipeline but later acknowledged significant damage caused by attacks.
According to him, damage to the pumping station in Brody makes safe oil transit impossible, and repairs could take up to six weeks if no further strikes occur.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa stressed that restoring the pipeline has gained importance amid energy market instability and rising oil prices.
The EU also reiterated that temporary measures will not alter its long-term goal of phasing out Russian fossil fuels by 2027.
It remains unclear whether the compromise will be enough for Hungary to lift its veto before the April 12 elections.
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