EU offers Ukraine assistance with repair of Druzhba oil pipeline

This is stated in a joint statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa regarding the situation with the Druzhba pipeline.

Following the resumption of Russian strikes on January 27 against the Druzhba pipeline, which led to the interruption of crude oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council held intensive negotiations with member states and Ukraine at all levels regarding the resumption of oil supply to Hungary and Slovakia.

The statement asserts that the EU has offered Ukraine technical support and funding.

In a letter addressed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, published by the EU Council’s press service, Costa and von der Leyen reiterated that Hungary has firmly stated that it is not in a position to agree to the proposed revision of the multiannual financial framework necessary for the €90 billion loan to support Ukraine, or to adopt the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.

It is also noted that both decisions require the unanimous support of all EU member states.

“The Ukrainians have welcomed and accepted this offer. European experts are available immediately,” von der Leyen and Costa claimed.

“Our priority is to ensure energy security for all European citizens. In this sense, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council will continue to work with the concerned parties on alternative routes for the transit of non-Russian crude oil to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe,” the leaders stated.

As reported, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski offered to mediate in the conflict between Kyiv and Budapest.

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