Russian attack on Druzhba pipeline halts oil transit to Eastern Europe

A Russian RU attack on the Ukrainian UA branch of the Soviet-built Druzhba oil pipeline on January 27 damaged pipeline infrastructure and halted the transit of Russian oil to Eastern Europe. The strike caused an immediate cessation of cross-border oil transit, specifically interrupting supplies to Slovakia SK and Hungary HU. This disruption to regional energy flows is significant due to the pipeline's role in cross-border oil transit and its structural importance for regional supplies.

The strike occurred within a period of intensified strikes on the Ukrainian energy sector that have been ongoing since last autumn. It represents a rare instance of Russian forces attacking a pipeline used to supply oil to Europe. Brody city authorities confirmed that the damage to the infrastructure in their area was a primary factor in the halt of operations. The Druzhba oil pipeline remains a critical asset for the region's energy stability.