Hungary, Slovakia Receive Russian Oil Flows via Repaired Ukrainian Pipeline

Hungary and Slovakia have resumed receiving Russian crude oil through a repaired pipeline crossing Ukraine, marking a significant development in Europe’s energy landscape amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

On Thursday, both countries confirmed that oil deliveries had restarted via the Druzhba pipeline, after Ukraine completed repairs to infrastructure damaged during a Russian attack in January.

The pipeline, one of the largest oil arteries from Russia into Europe, has remained a point of disagreement between Kyiv, Brussels, and the two Central European states since the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine announced Wednesday that pumping operations had resumed following the completion of repair works, shortly after the European Union approved the release of a €90 billion ($106 billion) financial package for Kyiv. The funding had previously been blocked by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who used his veto as leverage to push for the restoration of oil flows.

Slovakia’s Economy Minister Denisa Saková confirmed that supplies restarted at midnight GMT, stating that deliveries are proceeding according to agreed schedules. Meanwhile, Hungary’s MOL Group, operator of both Hungarian and Slovak refining assets, said it had already received crude shipments at key transit points.

“Crude deliveries through the Druzhba system to Hungary and Slovakia have resumed after an interruption of nearly three months,” the company said in a statement.

The restart provides short-term relief for both economies, which remain among the few EU member states still reliant on Russian pipeline oil despite sweeping sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion.

While the resumption of flows was welcomed in Bratislava, political tensions surrounding the pipeline remain unresolved. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico described the development as “good news,” but also expressed skepticism over claims that the pipeline had been seriously damaged.

Fico has repeatedly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the issue, while Kyiv continues to oppose ongoing purchases of Russian energy by EU members, arguing that such revenues directly support Moscow’s war effort.

“You know what I mean, the Druzhba pipeline has become a tool in the current geopolitical conflict,” Fico told reporters.

The dispute over Druzhba underscores broader divisions in the European Union over how to balance energy security with geopolitical strategy. Hungary and Slovakia had previously blocked new rounds of EU sanctions on Russia, citing concerns over energy supply disruptions linked to the pipeline.

Orbán’s recent electoral defeat helped clear the way for the release of EU funds to Ukraine, easing one layer of the standoff. However, the episode highlights how energy infrastructure continues to serve as both a lifeline and a bargaining chip in Europe’s evolving confrontation with Russia.