Summary
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused some European Union (EU) countries of trying to pressure Ukraine into reopening an oil pipeline that transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukraine claims the pipeline is damaged due to Russian attacks, and Zelensky is opposed to moving Russian oil through Ukraine while EU sanctions on Russia are in place. The EU wants Ukraine to repair the pipeline quickly, but Ukraine says Hungary is blocking key EU decisions, including a major loan to Ukraine, until the pipeline is back in operation.
Key Facts
- President Zelensky accused some EU countries of "blackmail" over the Druzhba oil pipeline.
- The pipeline moves Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
- Ukraine says the pipeline was damaged in January by Russian air strikes.
- The EU has asked Ukraine to repair the pipeline as soon as possible.
- Hungary is blocking EU sanctions and a major loan to Ukraine until the pipeline reopens.
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is seen as using this issue to gain political advantage in upcoming elections.
- President Zelensky opposes allowing Russian oil to transit through Ukraine while sanctions are active.
- Zelensky highlighted a proposal for a joint drone production deal with the United States.
