The "Druzhba" oil pipeline remains one of the key routes for supplying Russian oil to Central Europe. It was through this pipeline that Hungary and Slovakia received raw materials for years on more favorable terms than most other EU countries. However, this economic advantage simultaneously created a deep dependence on Moscow. This was stated in an interview with UNN by Viktor Halchynskyi, former spokesman for NJSC "Naftogaz of Ukraine" in the Lviv region.
Why Budapest and Bratislava cling to "Druzhba"
According to the expert, the reason for the two countries' interest is very simple – money and stability of supplies.
Hungary and Slovakia have been receiving cheaper Russian oil for years. This allowed their companies to produce cheaper fuel, and the states to maintain their economies in more comfortable conditions. For the consumer, this means a lower price for gasoline and diesel, for businesses – lower costs
He noted that the Hungarian company MOL plays a key role here, and the Slovak Slovnaft actually operates in the same corporate system.
This is not just oil supplies. This is an entire business model that has generated profits for many years thanks to cheap raw materials from Russia
Cheap oil became a trap
According to Halchynskyi, the benefits of cooperation with Russia also had a downside – a dependence that is now difficult to break.
Today Russia can sell cheaper, and tomorrow it can cut off the tap or set a completely different price. This is the main problem. Moscow uses energy resources not only as a commodity, but as a political weapon
The expert added that the oil refineries of Hungary and Slovakia have been adapting specifically to Russian oil for years.
It's not enough to just buy other oil. It is necessary to invest in the modernization of factories, change technological processes, and set up new logistics. This is expensive and not fast
Why sanctions did not stop these supplies
According to Halchynskyi, the European Union left exceptions for certain countries.
Hungary and Slovakia do not have access to the sea, so it is more difficult for them to quickly switch to sea supplies. That is why the EU agreed on temporary exceptions for pipeline oil
At the same time, he stressed that Brussels' strategic course is unchanged – a gradual rejection of Russian energy carriers.
These exceptions do not mean an eternal status quo. Sooner or later, we will have to reorient ourselves
How long does it take to abandon Russian oil?
The exact terms, according to the expert, depend on political will and investments.
We are talking about hundreds of millions of euros. But the main thing is not even the amount, it's not that much, but the technical process. Factories need to be reconfigured so that they can effectively work with other types of oil
He did not rule out that part of the costs could be covered by the European Union.
Brussels is interested in reducing dependence on Russia, so financial assistance for modernization would seem logical
Is "Druzhba" Ukraine's trump card?
After recent discussions about transit, the question often arises whether Kyiv can use the route as a tool of pressure. Halchynskyi is convinced – no.
Ukraine is moving towards the European Union and is interested in constructive relations with its neighbors. Therefore, the logic of blackmail does not work here. We should not copy the Russian model of behavior
According to him, if transit is stopped not through Ukraine's fault, it will become a problem primarily for Russia as a supplier.
This will show that Moscow is unreliable, not Kyiv
Why Russia itself risks this route
Halchynskyi noted that Russian strikes on objects related to transit look paradoxical.
Ukraine is not the end consumer of this oil. The main recipients are Hungary and Slovakia. Therefore, any problems on the route primarily affect them
In his opinion, this could be an element of the Kremlin's chaotic policy or an attempt to shift responsibility to Ukraine.
Russia does not particularly benefit from the resumption of supplies
Separately, the expert noted that oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia is not crucial for filling the Russian budget. According to him, sea supplies and exports through the shadow fleet remain much more important for Moscow.
For Russia, these are not critical volumes. It receives its main revenues from much larger sea supplies. What goes through "Druzhba" to two Central European countries is a relatively small resource in the context of Russian oil exports
According to the expert, this makes the version that the damage to the route's infrastructure could have been beneficial to Russia itself more logical.
If these supplies are not decisive for Russia, it may deliberately take such risks for a political effect. For example, to create tension between Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia, provoke accusations against Kyiv, or show Europe the instability of transit
Halchynskyi added that the economic losses from interruptions for Moscow are significantly less than the potential political effect.
Therefore, the version that Russia itself struck objects related to "Druzhba" seems quite rational from the perspective of the Kremlin's logic
What this means for Europe
The expert believes that the story with "Druzhba" has become a lesson for the entire continent.
Cheap Russian oil provided short-term benefits. But in the strategic perspective, it created political and economic dependence. And now Europe is forced to pay for it
Ukraine announced the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline - MOL22.04.26, 14:28