Brussels is pressing Ukraine to expedite repairs to the Druzhba pipeline, a crucial artery for Russian oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia, after damage halted flows late last month. The disruption has heightened tensions between Kyiv and its European partners, even as the European Union continues to grapple with the complexities of weaning itself off Russian energy sources. The situation underscores the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and ensuring energy security for member states reliant on Russian oil.
The Druzhba pipeline, whose name translates to “Friendship,” has been a key component of Russian energy exports to Europe for decades. While the EU has imposed sanctions aimed at curtailing Russian oil revenue in response to the war in Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia secured exemptions due to their dependence on the pipeline and limited alternative supply options. The current outage, which began on January 27, has raised concerns about potential shortages and price increases, though officials say immediate risks are limited.
Pipeline Damage and Repair Timeline
A European Commission spokesperson, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, confirmed on February 17 that the Commission is in contact with Ukrainian authorities regarding the timeline for repairing the Druzhba pipeline. “We are in contact with Ukraine on the timeline for reparation of the Druzhba oil pipeline and how quickly this might be up and running,” Itkonen told journalists in Brussels, adding that the EU is prepared to convene an emergency coordination group to discuss alternative supply routes. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported on the Commission’s efforts.
Kyiv maintains that a Russian drone attack caused the damage. However, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has publicly accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying repairs as a form of “political blackmail” intended to pressure Hungary into lifting its veto on Ukraine’s potential future membership in the European Union. Fico made these claims on February 15, according to reports.
Hungary and Slovakia Seek Alternative Routes
Despite the EU’s broader sanctions regime, Hungary and Slovakia have continued to rely on Russian oil transported via the Druzhba pipeline. Both countries currently hold 90 days of reserve oil stocks, mitigating immediate supply concerns, according to the European Commission. However, Budapest is now exploring alternative options to secure its energy needs.
On February 16, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced Hungary’s intention to invoke its sanctions exemption to import seaborne Russian crude oil via Croatia using the Adria pipeline.
We request Croatia to enable the transport of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via the Adria pipeline, as our sanctions exemption provides the possibility to import Russian oil by sea if pipeline deliveries are disrupted. 🇭🇺🤝🇸🇰
— Péter Szijjártó (@FM_Szijjarto) February 16, 2026
Croatian Economy Minister Ante Susnjar responded positively,
Croatia will not allow Central Europe’s fuel supply to be endangered. We are ready to aid solve the acute disruption. However, Budapest &. Bratislava should finally diversify from Russian energy imports. Adria pipeline is ready, so there are no technical excuses left. A barrel bought from Russia helps fund war. 🇭🇷🤝🇪🇺
— Ante Susnjar (@susnjar_a) February 16, 2026
Susnjar as well criticized Hungary and Slovakia for their continued reliance on Russian energy, stating that the Adria pipeline is available and that purchasing Russian oil funds the war in Ukraine.
Calls for Diversification and Energy Independence
The incident has reignited debate about the long-term energy security of Central Europe and the demand to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels. A report released on February 16 by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), a Bulgarian think tank, argued that Hungary does not require Russian oil, as alternative sources are readily available. “There are no technical or economic grounds for prolonging the sanctions exemption for Russian oil in Central Europe,” said Martin Vladimirov, director of CSD’s Energy and Climate Program. “Hungary’s continued dependence is a policy choice that weakens EU unity and undermines the credibility of the sanctions regime.”
The CSD report suggests that phasing out Russian crude by the end of 2026 is both feasible and essential for Europe’s long-term energy security. This finding adds to the growing pressure on Hungary and Slovakia to diversify their energy supplies and align with the EU’s broader goals of reducing reliance on Russia.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus remains on restoring the flow of oil through the Druzhba pipeline. The European Commission is actively engaging with Ukraine to determine a repair timeline, and the potential apply of the Adria pipeline offers a short-term alternative for Hungary and Slovakia. However, the incident highlights the vulnerabilities inherent in relying on a single supplier and the urgent need for Central European nations to accelerate their efforts to diversify their energy sources. The next key development will likely be an update from the European Commission regarding the progress of repairs to the Druzhba pipeline, expected in the coming weeks.
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