Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the Druzhba oil pipeline, which supplies oil to Hungary and Slovakia, is expected to be repaired in about one and a half months after it was damaged by a drone attack on January 27. This incident has led to a significant disruption in oil supplies from Russia to these two nations. Zelensky indicated that the pipeline's main pumping station was affected by the drone strike, and he provided this update during a meeting in Kyiv that also involved the director of Naftogaz, Ukraine's state oil and gas company.

The attack on the pipeline has stirred tensions between Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia. While Ukraine claims that the attack was carried out by Russian forces, both Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of hesitating in carrying out the necessary repairs. This ongoing dispute has had broader implications, including Hungary's decision to veto EU loans for Ukraine and a proposed sanctions package against Russia, indicating how energy security and geopolitical relations in the region are intertwined.

The repair timeline provided by Zelensky is crucial for Hungary and Slovakia, as delays could further strain relationships and impact energy supplies. Given that the Druzhba pipeline is a key artery for transporting oil from Russia, the swift restoration of function is significant not only for the involved countries but also for the overall stability in European energy markets, especially amid ongoing conflicts and economic sanctions affecting Russia.