Ukraine Restarts Druzhba Pipeline Amid EU Loan Approval

On April 23, 2026, Ukraine restarted the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies oil to Hungary and Slovakia, following the European Union's approval of a €90 billion ($105 billion) loan to Ukraine. This move came after Hungary lifted its veto, with the pipeline returning to operation to sustain oil supply amidst ongoing conflicts. The Druzhba pipeline has historically been a major conduit for Russian oil, delivering over 9 million tonnes annually to Hungary and Slovakia, which heavily rely on it as their main source of crude oil.

The resumption of the pipeline raises significant strategic implications for Central Europe, underscoring a reliance on Russian oil despite EU sanctions on seaborne crude. Critics, including Ukrainian parliament member Inna Sovsun, regard this situation as morally troubling, where vital funding for Ukraine's defense inadvertently supports the aggressor. While the restart is crucial for Hungary and Slovakia's economic stability, it highlights a precarious balance in energy dependency and geopolitical maneuvering within Europe.