A bitter dispute pitting Hungary and Slovakia against Ukraine is holding up a crucial €90bn (£77.95bn) EU loan to Ukraine.
No oil has flowed through the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline, from Russia to Hungary and Slovakia across Ukraine, since the major oil hub at Brody was damaged in a Russian attack on 27 January.
While Ukraine argues that it will need six more weeks to repair the damage and restore oil flow, Budapest accuses Kyiv of stalling as revenge for Hungary's pro-Russian and anti-Ukrainian position. The dispute underlines the ability of one or two countries to block EU decision-making and illustrates the ongoing fuel problems faced by Hungary and Slovakia, which have resisted transitioning away from Russian oil.
The Brody pumping station is critically important for the flow of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Damage from the January attack has been documented as serious, affecting key storage tanks essential for maintaining pipeline pressure.
Ukrainian officials claim this situation stems from a broader conflict, emphasizing the limitations in their ability to expedite repairs without additional support. EU officials have offered technical assistance, yet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hesitance in restoring the pipeline due to its ties to Russian oil.
The rift highlights diplomatic tensions as Hungary's government shifts blame onto Ukraine in light of domestic political priorities and upcoming elections.
