Zelenskyy says he’s reluctant to repair pipeline that brings Russian oil to Central Europe

Ukrainian President Zelensky Refuses to Repair Russian Oil Pipeline Amid Growing Tensions with Hungary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made his position clear Thursday regarding the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline that supplies Russian crude to Central Europe, stating he would prefer not to restore the infrastructure despite mounting pressure from Hungary and Slovakia.

“To be honest, I wouldn’t restore it. This is my position,” Zelensky told reporters at a news conference in Kyiv.

The pipeline, which traverses Ukrainian territory en route to Hungary and Slovakia, has been inoperative since January 27 following what Ukrainian officials describe as Russian drone attacks that damaged the infrastructure. The disruption has triggered a diplomatic crisis between Ukraine and the two European nations that continue to import Russian oil despite widespread EU sanctions against Moscow.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has responded forcefully to the oil flow interruption by blocking a critical 90-billion euro ($106 billion) EU loan package to Ukraine and threatening to veto further pro-Ukraine decisions until oil shipments resume. The timing is particularly significant for Orbán, who faces a challenging election next month and is currently trailing in polls.

“We have political and financial tools, and with these we will compel them, unconditionally and preferably as soon as possible, to reopen the Druzhba pipeline,” Orbán declared Thursday at an economic forum. “I will make no pact, there will be no compromise. We will defeat them.”

The Hungarian leader has intensified his rhetoric against Ukraine in recent weeks, launching what observers describe as an aggressive anti-Ukraine campaign domestically. Orbán has made unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine and Zelensky are attempting to bankrupt Hungary and has warned voters that a change in government would result in Hungary’s direct involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukrainian officials maintain that the ongoing Russian aerial bombardment makes pipeline repairs dangerous for technical personnel. They further argue that even if repaired, the Druzhba pipeline would remain vulnerable to subsequent attacks, creating a cycle of disruption and repair that would put workers at continuous risk.

The situation highlights the complex energy politics within the European Union, where most member states have moved to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels following the invasion of Ukraine. Hungary and Slovakia represent notable exceptions, having secured exemptions from EU sanctions on Russian oil imports due to their heavy reliance on the Druzhba pipeline, which translates to “Friendship” in Russian.

Both Central European nations have proposed sending inspectors to western Ukraine to evaluate the damage and determine if oil flows could resume. Zelensky indicated he had received no formal request from the EU for such an inspection but expected one to arrive “in one format or another.”

The Ukrainian leader also expressed hope that “one person” – an apparent reference to Orbán – would not continue blocking the crucial EU financial assistance that Ukraine desperately needs to sustain its defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

“This is Russian oil, and there are certain principles that have no price,” Zelensky emphasized. “They kill us, and we have to give oil to Orbán because he cannot win elections without it?”

The standoff underscores the broader tensions within Europe regarding energy security, support for Ukraine, and relations with Russia as the war approaches its third year. Energy analysts note that Hungary and Slovakia have alternatives to Russian oil through other supply routes, though potentially at higher costs.

As winter continues across Europe, the diplomatic impasse shows no signs of resolution, with both sides holding firm to their positions. The dispute adds another layer of complexity to Ukraine’s already challenging diplomatic landscape as it continues to seek international support for its defense efforts.