economy
March 17, 2026
FACTBOX: On further developments around the Druzhba pipeline
Hungary and Slovakia have reached an agreement to build a new oil product pipeline between the two countries to ensure their energy security in the face of Ukraine's oil blockade, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto announced
TL;DR
- Ukraine rejected proposals from Hungary and Slovakia to meet and discuss resuming Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.
- Hungary's Foreign Minister Szijjarto claims Ukraine is blocking the pipeline for political reasons and that the country is technically viable.
- Szijjarto reported facing threats from German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul regarding Hungary's stance on Ukraine.
- Hungary and Slovakia have agreed to build a new oil product pipeline to ensure their energy security.
- The agreement involves constructing a pipeline connecting refineries in Bratislava and Szazhalombatta.
- Hungarian refineries MOL, which use Russian Urals crude, are currently using strategic reserves due to the blockade.
- Hungary and Slovakia have requested Croatia to allow transit of Russian raw materials via the Adriatic Pipeline.
- Hungary has blocked a €90 billion EU military loan to Ukraine, and Slovakia has cut off emergency electricity and diesel fuel supplies.
- The European Commission offered to finance possible repairs to the Druzhba pipeline.
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