Ukraine Repairs Damaged Druzhba Oil Pipeline, Ready for Resumption

Kathmandu. Ukraine has announced that the damaged section of the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Europe, has been repaired.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that the repairs are complete and the pipeline is ready to resume operations.

Hungary continues to import Russian oil through the pipeline, placing the nation at the center of a standoff between Ukraine and the European Union.

Outgoing nationalist leader Viktor Orban of Hungary had decided to block 90 million euros in essential loans for Ukraine to pressure Kyiv into resuming deliveries.

Zelenskyy wrote in a statement on social media, "Ukraine has completed repair work on the section of the Druzhba oil pipeline damaged by Russian attacks. Now, the pipeline can become operational immediately."

Ukraine had previously reported that the Druzhba pipeline, which crosses its territory to deliver Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary, was damaged by Russian strikes in late January.

Zelenskyy warned on Tuesday that "Moscow's forces could attack the infrastructure again."

Hungary and Slovakia, EU member states with sympathetic views toward the Kremlin, had accused Kyiv of failing to assist in the repairs.

Kyiv requires EU funds to implement provisions in its budget, but has faced difficulties due to Budapest blocking the loans, despite successfully securing sufficient funds from other supporters.

"European Union countries are seeking to provide final support for the release of the blocked loans for Ukraine on Wednesday, raising hopes that Hungary will lift its veto," an official said.

Zelenskyy's statement added, "We must continue systematic sanctions pressure on Russia over the war and work to further diversify energy supplies in Europe."

He stated, "Europe must be free from those who seek to attack or weaken it."