German media: "Friendship" pipeline expected to be repaired, Hungary and Slovakia to regain Russian oil
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel said on Tuesday, March 17, that the EU will assist in restarting the pipeline transporting Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel stated in a statement that the EU has provided technical support and funding to Ukraine to repair the pipeline transporting Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukraine has accepted this proposal.
Previously, Budapest accused Kyiv of deliberately delaying the pipeline repair, and the dispute between the two sides continued to escalate. In addition to Hungary, Slovakia has repeatedly accused Ukraine of obstructing the restart of the so-called "Friendship" oil pipeline. Kyiv stated that the pipeline was damaged by a Russian missile attack in January this year and has been out of operation since then. Slovakia and Hungary criticized Ukraine for being responsible for the shutdown. Ukraine had long refused the EU's proposal to repair the pipeline, with Zelenskyy calling linking EU aid to Ukraine with the pipeline issue a "extortion act".
As an EU member state, Hungary blocked Brussels' offer of a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine and prevented new sanctions against Russia.
On Tuesday, von der Leyen and Michel wrote a letter to President Zelenskyy expressing hope that "the pipeline can be quickly repaired", thereby advancing the EU's plan for loans to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
The Middle East war has elevated oil supply to a global focal point, with countries seeking ways to ease oil prices. Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán urged the EU to suspend sanctions on Russian oil and gas to address the urgent situation.
Source: DW
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859928799319299/
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