Druzhba pipeline

The Druzhba pipeline is a Soviet-era oil pipeline that transports Russian oil to several European countries, including Hungary. It has recently become newsworthy due to a dispute between Ukraine and Hungary that is blocking a critical €90 billion loan from the EU to Ukraine. The pipeline was reportedly damaged, leading to its closure in January, which Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán used as leverage to veto the EU loan, demanding the pipeline's restoration first. Ukraine has stated that repair work is complete and the pipeline is ready to resume operations. EU experts have inspected the pipeline to assess its condition and potentially resolve the blockage. The situation is significant because the EU loan is vital for Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Russia, and Orbán's opposition has been seen as disloyal and a form of blackmail by other EU leaders. With Orban voted out of office, the EU expects progress on the loan.