EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Tuesday that the European Union is providing support to reopen a damaged oil pipeline that transports Russian oil to Hungary. This declaration was made public alongside a letter of agreement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirming that the assistance package from the EU has been accepted by Ukraine. The support includes technical aid and funding, with European experts ready to be deployed immediately to aid in the repairs.

Hungary and Slovakia have recently accused Ukraine of intentional delays in the reopening of the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged during Russian attacks in January. Hungary has also blocked an essential European Union loan worth 90 billion euros meant for Ukraine and has opposed new rounds of sanctions against Russia. The political dynamics surrounding the pipeline restoration are indicative of broader tensions between these countries and Ukraine, which could complicate European energy security efforts amid the ongoing conflict.

In a letter addressed to Zelensky, von der Leyen and EU Council President António Costa expressed hope that rapid repairs to the pipeline would enable the EU to proceed in a timely manner, reflecting the critical nature of this project for both regional stability and energy supply. The reopening of the Druzhba pipeline is not only vital for Hungary's energy needs but also for maintaining cohesion among EU member states as they navigate their responses to the war in Ukraine and the repercussions of Russian aggression.