Druzhba Pipeline Attack: EU Proposes Inspection as Repairs Could Take Months

The Theory Behind the Druzhba Pipeline Strike

According to Главком: Former head of Naftogaz, Andriy Kobolyev, has put forward a theory suggesting Russia may have deliberately targeted the Druzhba oil pipeline. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the pipeline was damaged in an aerial attack launched from Russian territory, adding that repairs could take up to two months. This critical energy artery is a major conduit for Russian oil exports to parts of Central Europe.

In response to the incident, Brussels has proposed sending a special inspection mission to Ukraine to assess the pipeline's condition. Meanwhile, Hungary's Prime Minister has leveled accusations at Kyiv, claiming Ukraine failed to fulfill an oil transit agreement.

'Why would the Russians strike a pipeline that essentially delivers bribes-let's call things by their real names-for Papa Orban? I have a hypothesis…' Andriy Kobolyev

Kobolyev further speculated that the strike was likely intended to provide Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán with grounds to more aggressively 'attack' Ukraine and block its Euro-integration ambitions and access to loans. He drew a historical parallel to an incident when gas meters with broken seals caused issues during the launch of a Slovakia-Hungary gas link, leading to lengthy recalibration processes.

The expert emphasized that repairing such infrastructure is a complex undertaking:

• If done properly, with meter recalibration, it could even take two years…

A Tense Standoff Over Critical Infrastructure

Consequently, the situation surrounding the Druzhba pipeline remains highly tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments. The attack on this key piece of energy infrastructure highlights the fragile geopolitical landscape of the region, where national interests frequently collide. Potential delays in restoring the pipeline's operations could lead to significant economic challenges and heightened regional tensions for the countries reliant on this transit route.