Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused European allies of attempting to "blackmail" Kyiv into reopening a pipeline that transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Zelensky stated that restoring the flow of Russian crude oil through Ukraine into the European Union (EU) would be equivalent to lifting economic sanctions on Moscow. He emphasized his principled opposition to allowing Russian oil transit through Ukraine while the EU regime sanctions its sale elsewhere, questioning the consistency of the bloc's policies.
Ukraine reports that the Soviet-era Druzhba oil pipeline was damaged by Russian air strikes in January and remains unrepaired. Hungary, which is heavily dependent on Russian energy, is blocking both fresh EU sanctions against Moscow and a crucial €90 billion loan for Kyiv until the pipeline is reopened. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made hostility towards Ukraine a central issue ahead of April elections, with his party reportedly trailing in opinion polls, raising concerns that Zelensky's resistance might inadvertently aid Orban's re-election campaign.
In remarks to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky asserted: "We either sell Russian oil or we don't. Because [the EU] are forcing me to restore Druzhba. How is this different from lifting sanctions on the Russians?" He labeled the pressure from European partners as "blackmail," particularly if linked to weapons supplies for Ukraine. Zelensky also stressed that the EU's decision to loan Ukraine €90 billion had been adopted by all 27 member states and must be implemented, highlighting tensions within the bloc.
The Ukrainian leader further addressed the widening conflict in the Middle East, describing his country's interceptor drones as "Ukrainian oil" and expressing readiness to agree on a $50 billion joint production deal with the United States. He claimed that the US had "reached out several times" and was purportedly "very interested" in such an agreement. Zelensky warned of risks to Ukraine due to the Middle East war, noting that the US regime is allegedly "more focused" on that region, which could lead to delays in weapon deliveries and reductions in critical defensive supplies for Kyiv.
Additionally, Zelensky opposed the US regime's temporary 30-day waiver on sanctions against Russian oil already at sea, stating: "We do not support such a policy. I believe that lifting sanctions on Russia will not help the world; it will only help Russia." He added that the war in the Middle East "does not help" Ukraine, although he acknowledged no illusions about the Iranian government. The comments come amid criticism from European leaders over the US's loosened sanctions, which some fear could undermine efforts to pressure Moscow.
Source: www.bbc.com