Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused some European partners of applying pressure on Ukraine over the future of the Druzhba pipeline, describing the situation as “blackmail” amid an intensifying dispute about Russian oil supplies to Central Europe.
His remarks come as tensions continue between Kyiv and several EU countries over whether the damaged pipeline should be restored and allowed to resume carrying crude from Russia through Ukrainian territory to European markets.
The Soviet-era pipeline, one of the largest oil transport systems in the world, has been out of service since January after infrastructure inside Ukraine was hit during an attack. According to Ukrainian officials, the damage has made the restart technically complex and dangerous while hostilities continue.
In comments published on Sunday, Zelensky questioned the logic of linking financial assistance to the restoration of Russian oil flows, particularly while Ukraine remains at war with Moscow.
“If we have decided to restore Russian oil supplies, then I want them to know that I am against it. … But if I am given conditions that Ukraine will not receive weapons, then, excuse me, I am powerless on this issue; I told our friends in Europe that this is called blackmail,” he stated.
The argument over the pipeline has become a major diplomatic confrontation between Kyiv and governments in Central Europe, especially Hungary. Budapest has accused Ukraine of intentionally delaying repairs to the pipeline in order to create an energy shortage for countries that still rely on Russian crude.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has responded by blocking a €90 billion European Union financial package intended to support Ukraine’s budget and reconstruction. The loan requires unanimous approval from EU member states, giving Budapest significant leverage in the negotiations.
The dispute has also drawn in Slovakia, which relies heavily on oil delivered through the Druzhba system and has joined Hungary in pressing for the rapid restoration of supplies. Both governments have argued that the shutdown of the pipeline threatens their energy security and economic stability.
Brussels has attempted to defuse the confrontation. The European Commission recently proposed sending inspectors to Ukraine to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether the pipeline can be safely repaired. The move is intended to establish technical facts that might allow the sides to reach a compromise.
Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz said it had briefed ambassadors from the EU and the G7 on the situation. According to the company, the infrastructure suffered significant damage in the January attack and restoring it will be a demanding operation carried out under constant security risks.
“Restoring such infrastructure is a complex technological process that requires time, specialised equipment, and the continuous work of teams even under constant threat,” Naftogaz said.
The dispute has unfolded against a volatile global energy backdrop. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel in recent days following supply disruptions linked to the war involving Iran after US and Israeli strikes earlier this year. In response to the price spike, United States authorities have temporarily eased sanctions on certain shipments of Russian oil in an attempt to stabilise markets.
For Kyiv, the stakes extend beyond the pipeline itself. Ukraine’s government relies heavily on international financial support to cover non-military spending while its resources remain focused on defending the country.
