Resumption of Russian Oil Shipments to Hungary and Slovakia Following Ukrainian Drone Strike

Shipments of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline resumed on Tuesday evening, according to officials from both nations, following a temporary interruption due to a Ukrainian drone attack on a pumping station located in Russia’s Tambov region the day before.

«The oil supply to Slovakia is currently operating as usual,» stated Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova in a remark reported by Reuters.

«In the next few days, we will have more definitive information regarding any modifications to the supply schedule for this month… However, I anticipate that, considering the swift restoration of flow through the Druzhba pipeline, any impacts will be minimal,» she remarked.

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó also confirmed that shipments via the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline had recommenced, marking one of the last channels for Russian crude entering the European Union.

«I have just expressed my gratitude to Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin for the quick resolution of the issues caused by the attack,» Szijjártó posted on Facebook.

The European Union has prohibited most imports of Russian oil following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but has made an exception for the Druzhba pipeline, which continues to deliver oil to Hungary and Slovakia.

Earlier this year, the Czech Republic also depended on this Russian pipeline but ceased deliveries after linking to an alternative pipeline in Italy.