Druzhba pipeline supply cut triggers EU infighting as Hungary vetoes new sanctions against Russia
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⑴ The last Russian crude oil supply artery to Europe—the Druzhba pipeline—has been continuously cut off since January 27. This event has evolved into a geopolitical storm within the European Union, directly leading Hungary to veto the EU's new round of sanctions against Russia this week and blocking critical loan aid to Ukraine. ⑵ Built during the Soviet era, the "Friendship" pipeline once transported over 1 million barrels of crude oil per day, accounting for more than 1% of global supply. Currently, only Hungary and Slovakia still rely on its daily supply of about 200,000 barrels of Russian crude oil. The leaders of these two countries, due to their close ties with Russia, are seen as outliers within the EU, emphasizing that switching supply sources would be more costly and jeopardize energy security. ⑶ There are conflicting accounts regarding the cause of the supply cut. Ukraine accuses Russian drones of damaging the pumping station and related equipment near Brody, while Russia and Hungary and Slovakia blame Kyiv for politically motivated delays in repairs. Ukraine admits that repairs are underway but claims that Russian shelling poses a safety threat to emergency repairs, without disclosing details of the damage or a timetable for resuming supply. ⑷ Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán has forcefully responded by framing the dispute as a choice between "war or peace" ahead of the April elections, citing an "oil blockade." Slovakia has stopped emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine in response. The EU's ministerial meeting on Monday failed to break the deadlock. Croatia proposed replacing Russian oil with non-Russian oil via the Adriatic pipeline, but Hungary's MOL company questioned its delivery capacity. Both sides agreed on Wednesday to launch a capacity test under international observation to verify whether the alternative supply of 280,000 barrels per day can be achieved.
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