Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, announced that Ukraine accepts the EU’s offer of technical assistance and financing to complete the repair of the Druzhba oil pipeline.
He also stressed that the accusations of Ukraine’s alleged deliberate obstruction of oil transportation are untrue, and the disruptions are caused by recent Russian attacks on the oil pipeline and related infrastructure.
“During the winter period, attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure temporarily affected the operation of several pumping stations along the route. Despite these challenges, Ukraine ensured uninterrupted oil transportation through responsible coordination with partners and necessary operational adjustments. The current damage is more serious, since the main oil pipeline functions as a single continuous system, and the complete shutdown of a key pumping station disrupts its operation,” Zelensky noted.
Zelensky explained that without the Brody pumping station, it is impossible to maintain the necessary pressure in the system and guarantee safe oil transit. According to him, Ukraine has been working on an alternative technical solution since the first days after the attack, and repair work on the bypass is almost complete.
“Repair work on the bypass is nearing completion. We expect that in about a month and a half the Brody pumping station will restore its technical capacity. This will ensure the full restoration of flows, of course, provided that there are no further attacks from Russia,” Volodymyr Zelensky explained.
The President also noted that, according to preliminary technical assessments, the damaged oil tank cannot be restored. Because of this, Ukraine is considering the construction of underground oil storage infrastructure as a long-term and more sustainable solution.
“In this context, I welcome and accept your offer for the necessary technical support and financing to complete the repair work, as well as to explore long-term sustainable solutions,” the President added.
According to Zelensky, the CEO of Naftogaz should contact the European Union Ambassador to further address this issue. Separately, the president emphasized that, despite repeated attacks on oil pipeline infrastructure, Ukraine retains the ability to offer alternative routes for the transit of non-Russian crude oil to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
“Let me also emphasize that, despite repeated massive attacks on oil pipeline infrastructure, Ukraine remains capable of offering alternative routes for the transit of non-Russian crude oil to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe,” Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized.
