Druzhba Pipeline

The stoppage of the final Russian oil supplies to Europe through the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline has sparked fresh geopolitical tensions, blocking new EU sanctions against Russia and delaying critical funding for Ukraine.

About the Druzhba Pipeline

• The name Druzhba means “friendship” in English.
• It transports crude oil from Russia to Eastern Europe via Ukraine.
• Built during the Soviet era, it became one of Russia’s most significant oil supply routes to Europe.

The pipeline historically supplied oil from West Siberia to major industrial regions across countries including Belarus, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Ukraine.

Global Significance

At its peak capacity, the Druzhba pipeline transported over 1 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for more than 1% of global oil supply, according to Transneft, Russia’s state-owned pipeline operator.