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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Ukraine says Russian oil pipeline to Hungary to reopen by end of April

From The Punch · (1d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, damaged by Russian strikes, will be repaired and operational by the end of April.
  • The pipeline's status had been a point of contention between Zelensky, who advocates for an EU ban on Russian energy, and Hungary's leadership.
  • Zelensky also expressed readiness to meet with Hungary's prime minister-elect, Peter Magyar.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the crucial oil pipeline connecting Russia to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine, which was damaged by Russian attacks, is set to be repaired and fully functional by the end of April. This development marks a significant step in restoring energy flow and easing tensions.

The operational status of this pipeline has been a focal point of diplomatic friction between Ukraine and Hungary. President Zelensky has consistently pushed for all European Union members to cease their reliance on Russian energy sources. Conversely, Hungary, under its previous leadership, had been critical of Ukraine's stance throughout the election campaign.

As for the oil pipeline, as we promised, it will be repaired by the end of April — not completely, but enough for it to function.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyySpeaking to reporters in Berlin about the pipeline's repair timeline.

In a related development, President Zelensky indicated his willingness to engage in direct dialogue with Hungary's newly elected prime minister-elect, Peter Magyar. This potential meeting signals a possible shift towards improved relations and cooperation between the two neighboring nations, particularly on energy security matters.

I am ready to meet with Hungary’s prime minister-elect, Peter Magyar.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyExpressing his willingness to meet with Hungary's new leader.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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