Zelensky Accuses EU Allies of ‘Blackmail’ Over Russian Oil Pipeline

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused European allies of seeking to “blackmail” Kyiv into reopening the Druzhba oil pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. The dispute centers on the pipeline’s damage sustained in January and the implications for EU aid to Ukraine.

Pipeline Damage and Repair Efforts

Ukraine maintains that the Druzhba oil pipeline was damaged by Russian air strikes in January ¹ and has not yet been repaired. Repair timelines suggested by Ukraine are up to six weeks ².

Hungary and Slovakia’s Dependence on Russian Oil

Hungary and Slovakia are heavily reliant on Russian oil supplied through the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary, in particular, depends on Russian energy and is blocking both fresh EU sanctions on Moscow and a vital €90 billion ($103 billion; £78 billion) loan for Kyiv until the pipeline is reopened ¹. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s stance on the issue comes ahead of April elections, where his party is currently trailing in opinion polls ¹.

EU Pressure and Zelensky’s Response

The European Union has urged Zelensky to expedite repairs to the pipeline and has requested access for inspectors to assess the damage ¹. Zelensky, but, views restoring the flow of Russian crude oil through Ukraine as equivalent to lifting economic sanctions on Moscow ¹. He has publicly characterized the pressure to reopen the pipeline as “blackmail,” stating that if conditions are set that Ukraine will not receive weapons, he is “powerless” on the issue ³, ².

Broader Geopolitical Context

Zelensky also criticized Hungary’s government for spreading “anti-Ukrainian sentiment” ². The dispute over the Druzhba pipeline is occurring against a backdrop of shifting global energy markets, heightened by the war in the Middle East and a worldwide search for increased oil supplies ².