Russian Oil Flows Through Druzhba to Slovakia, Hungary After Three-Month Halt
Russian oil resumed flowing through the Druzhba pipeline's Ukrainian section on 22 April, ending a three-month halt. Deliveries to Slovakia and Hungary are expected by 23 April, resolving a diplomatic crisis. Ukraine completed repairs, fulfilling a condition for Slovakia not to block EU sanctions.
Russian oil began flowing through the Druzhba pipeline's Ukrainian section on 22 April, with deliveries to Slovakia and Hungary expected by the morning of 23 April. This ends a nearly three-month halt that caused a diplomatic crisis between Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungary, following Russia's strike on the pipeline.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced repairs were completed on 21 April. Ukrtransnafta notified Hungary of the end of force majeure the same day at 18:00. Slovak Deputy PM Denisa Saková confirmed that pressurizing and filling of the pipeline from Belarus began on 22 April. MOL also confirmed crude from Belarus via Druzhba arrived in Ukraine at noon on 22 April, expecting shipments to Hungary and Slovakia by 23 April.
Slovak FM Juraj Blanár had stated on 21 April that Bratislava would not block the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia if Ukraine restored oil flow. This condition was met.