The European Union has offered to finance the repair of the Druzhba oil pipeline after russian attacks, and the restoration of oil transit may take about a month and a half. This was reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in correspondence with the EU leadership.
What is known about the financing of the Druzhba repair?
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have stated their readiness to ensure the financing of repair work using European funds.
"The EU will promptly provide all necessary technical support for the repair of the oil pipeline. This may be financed with European funds," the letter says.
The European Union stressed that the restoration of transit is critically important for the energy stability of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in particular Hungary and Slovakia.
Why did oil transit stop?
According to Zelenskyy, damage to the infrastructure was a consequence of russian attacks. The key problem was the shutdown of the Brody pumping station, without which it is impossible to maintain the required pressure in the system.
Ukraine is already working on an alternative technical solution to start pumping oil. According to estimates, repairs and restoration of work may take about a month and a half, provided there are no new attacks.
"Ukraine is a reliable energy partner of the European Union and fulfills its obligations, despite constant missile and drone attacks by russia," Zelenskyy noted in a response letter.
Excerpt from Volodymyr Zelenskyy's letter to the EU leadership
The President of Ukraine also reported that the above-ground oil tank damaged during the strike cannot be restored.
What solutions does Ukraine offer?
Ukraine is considering the creation of underground infrastructure for oil storage as a long-term solution. These are protected tanks that will reduce the risks of damage and ensure the continuity of transit.
The President confirmed that Ukraine has accepted the EU's offer of financing and technical assistance and will instruct Naftogaz to coordinate further actions with partners.
Political context around Druzhba
After the transit was halted in late January, disputes arose between Ukraine and individual EU countries. Hungary and Slovakia have expressed doubts about the extent of the damage and are blocking a number of EU decisions, including financial assistance to Ukraine and a new package of sanctions against russia.
In response, the Ukrainian side states that the damage is related to internal infrastructure that is not visible from the outside, as well as to the destruction of equipment after being hit by a russian drone.
The Druzhba oil pipeline is one of the key routes for supplying oil to Europe. Its operation has become more complicated after russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which have affected the region's energy security and sparked political discussions in the EU.
Previously, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he was against the resumption of oil supplies from the aggressor country through the territory of Ukraine.
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