Ukraine Restores Russian Oil Flow to Europe Through Druzhba Pipeline

2026-04-22 08:56:14

(MENAFN) Ukraine has restored the transit of Russian oil to select European nations through the Druzhba pipeline on Wednesday, media reported, ending a weeks-long supply disruption that had cut off deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia.

The resumption follows a January stoppage caused by a Russian strike that damaged the Ukrainian stretch of the critical pipeline — severing an energy lifeline to two Central European countries dependent on the route.

An industry source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that pumping operations were reinstated at 12:35 p.m. local time (0935 GMT).

The restart comes a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that repair work on the damaged infrastructure had been finalized. "The repair of the pipeline has been completed," Zelensky said on Tuesday.

With energy supplies to Europe remaining a flashpoint amid the ongoing conflict, Wednesday's development marks a notable — if fragile — step toward restoring stability along one of the continent's most strategically significant oil corridors.

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