EU Aid for Ukraine Hinges on Russian Oil Flow via Druzhba Pipeline

Stance of Slovakia and Hungary on Supporting Ukraine

According to Главком: Slovakia and Hungary have signaled they may lift their block on a new EU loan for Ukraine and approve a 20th sanctions package against Russia, but only if oil shipments resume through the Druzhba pipeline. This development comes as European leaders seek to maintain unity in their support for Kyiv. A damaged section of the pipeline, hit earlier by a Russian strike, has now been repaired, marking a crucial step toward resolving the supply issue.

Russian oil deliveries via this route have been halted since late January, creating significant difficulties for the participating nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed unblocking the 90-billion-euro financial aid package with European Council President António Costa. A final decision on this loan could be made within the next 24 hours.

Key Factors for Restoring Supply

As noted by Petr Macinka, both countries, which have expressed reservations on these two issues, have made their support conditional on the resumption of oil deliveries to their territories. If this is confirmed and supplies restart, this major obstacle will be removed. Therefore, restoring the oil flow could be the decisive factor in securing approval for both the aid to Ukraine and the new sanctions against Russia.

The resumption of oil via the Druzhba pipeline is critically important not only for the economies of Slovakia and Hungary but also for the regional energy balance. It could strengthen the EU's negotiating position regarding support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, as the economic stability of these member states is directly tied to energy supplies. The international community's response to these events may shape the future course of the situation in the region and impact global energy markets.

As the discussions on EU support for Ukraine intensify, the stance of Slovakia and Hungary becomes increasingly pivotal. Their willingness to back the financial aid package is closely linked to the reopening of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. This situation mirrors Slovakia's legal challenge against the EU's gas ban, highlighting the delicate balance between energy needs and political decisions in the region.