An interruption in the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, which transits Ukrainian territory to Hungary and Slovakia, has led to a diplomatic dispute. The disruption, which began on January 27, has prompted Hungary and Slovakia to issue conditions related to financial aid and energy supplies to Ukraine, while Ukraine has rejected these demands and proposed alternative transit routes.
The Druzhba Pipeline Standoff
Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline were interrupted on January 27. Ukrainian officials attributed this disruption to a Russian drone attack that reportedly damaged the pipeline infrastructure in Western Ukraine. Ukraine has also stated that repairs require time, citing broader Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure and delays caused by ongoing conflict.
Conflicting Narratives on Disruption
Conversely, Hungary and Slovakia have presented differing accounts. They have accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying supplies and placed responsibility for the prolonged outage on Ukraine.
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovak intelligence indicated no damage to the pipeline and suggested Ukraine had no interest in resuming transit.
Ukraine has not permitted Slovak or EU ambassadors to conduct an inspection, citing a negative position from Ukrainian intelligence services. Adding to the complexity, Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian pumping station that supplies the Druzhba pipeline on an unspecified Monday.
Hungary and Slovakia's Retaliatory Measures
In response to the halted oil flows, both Hungary and Slovakia have taken specific actions and issued demands:
Hungary
- Hungary stated it would block a planned 90-billion-euro European Union loan to Ukraine. This action is contingent on the resumption of Russian oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline.
- It suspended diesel shipments to Ukraine, awaiting the resumption of oil flows through Druzhba.
- Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of "blackmailing" Hungary and affirmed that his government would not support Ukraine's war or pay for it, indicating a block on EU decisions favorable to Ukraine as long as oil supplies are interrupted.
- Hungary also reportedly blocked the 20th package of EU sanctions.
Slovakia
- Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that if Ukraine does not resume oil supplies, he would direct relevant Slovak companies to cease emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine.
- Slovakia, similar to Hungary, also ceased diesel exports to Ukraine and reportedly blocked the 20th package of EU sanctions.
Both countries requested that the European Commission investigate the veracity of Ukraine's initial damage claims and whether the EU had suspended emergency electricity provisions to Ukraine.
Ukraine Rejects Demands, Proposes Alternatives
Ukraine has rejected the demands from Hungary and Slovakia:
"Ukraine rejects and condemns the ultimatums and blackmail by the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic regarding energy supplies between our countries," adding that "Ultimatums should be sent to the Kremlin, and certainly not to Kyiv."
Ukraine has proposed alternative transit routes to ship oil to Europe, including via its domestic oil transportation system or a maritime route. The Odesa-Brody pipeline was specifically mentioned as an alternative. Ukraine has consistently reiterated its readiness to ensure oil transportation within the available legal framework.
President Volodymyr Zelensky invited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit Ukraine, which Fico accepted to discuss Ukrainian-Slovak cooperation. During a phone call, Zelensky maintained that repairs require time, referencing broader Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Diplomatic Efforts and Energy Realities
The situation has led to various diplomatic engagements and highlights the broader energy landscape:
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Proposed Expert Inspection: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico briefed President Zelensky on a joint proposal with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to establish an expert inspection group. This group, nominated by EU member states and the European Commission, would assess the pipeline's damage. The European Commission has welcomed this initiative.
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Alternative Routes: The European Commission convened an emergency meeting with Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia to explore alternative oil transport routes. Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic proposed facilitating oil transfers via the Adria pipeline; however, Croatia's reported refusal to transport Russian oil presents a challenge.
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Energy Reliance and EU Exemptions: Hungary and Slovakia, both landlocked EU and NATO members, possess temporary exemptions from an EU policy that prohibits the import of Russian oil. They remain significantly reliant on Russian oil delivered via the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, differing from most European countries that have largely reduced or ceased Russian energy imports since February 24, 2022. The Ukrainian section of the pipeline transported over 9 million tons of oil to Slovakia and Hungary last year.
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Ukraine's Energy Needs: Ukraine faces internal power grid damage from Russian attacks and depends on imported electricity for winter, with approximately 45% of these imports historically originating from Hungary, and Slovakia also serving as a supplier. The suspension of pipeline operations could also potentially lead to Ukraine pausing its own oil production.