Restarting the Flow: Russian Oil Back in the Druzhba Pipeline

Russian crude oil has resumed flowing through the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba pipeline after a months-long halt, facilitating Hungary's removal of its veto on a crucial €90 billion EU loan urgently needed by Kyiv. The pipeline had become one of Europe's most politically charged infrastructures following a Russian drone strike that interrupted deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia.

The Hungarian oil company MOL confirmed the resumption of crude deliveries, stating: "MOL expects the first shipments to reach Hungary and Slovakia by tomorrow at the latest." The pumping began at 0935 GMT, leading to swift approval of the loan by EU ambassadors in Brussels, which is expected to be finalized by member states by Thursday afternoon. This loan, agreed upon last year, aims to uphold Ukraine's financial stability through 2026 and 2027. It was previously blocked by Hungary and Slovakia over pipeline repair delays, allegations Kyiv has denied.

With Hungary and Slovakia heavily reliant on Russian oil, the political landscape shifted when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a known Russia supporter, lost the parliamentary election on April 12. Peter Magyar, leader of the victorious party, announced he would cease obstructing EU funds for Ukraine. The Druzhba pipeline has a capacity of 1.2 to 1.4 million barrels per day, and disruptions due to Western sanctions and drone attacks have drastically reduced its usage. Meanwhile, Germany disclosed that Kazakh crude wouldn't be reaching its PCK Schwedt refinery starting May, following reports that Russia halts Kazakhstan's oil exports through the Druzhba route.