A bitter dispute pitting Hungary and Slovakia against Ukraine is holding up a crucial €90bn (£77.95bn) EU loan to Ukraine. No oil has flowed through the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline, from Russia to Hungary and Slovakia across Ukraine, since the major oil hub at Brody, in western Ukraine, was damaged in a Russian attack on 27 January. While Ukraine argues that it will need six more weeks to repair the damage and restore the oil flow, Budapest accuses Kyiv of stalling, as revenge for Hungary's pro-Russian and anti-Ukrainian stance. The disagreement highlights how one or two countries can disrupt EU decision-making and the ongoing fuel challenges faced by Hungary and Slovakia, who have not transitioned away from Russian oil since 2022. Recent satellite images reveal significant damage at the Brody pumping station, which is crucial for the transit of Russian oil to these countries. Ukrainian officials maintain the damage is severe and beyond rapid repair, leading them to accept EU offers of technical support and funding to expedite the process. Meanwhile, the Hungarian government continues to fault Ukraine for the stalled oil flow for political gain, all against the backdrop of upcoming elections in Hungary.