Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Thursday his unwillingness to restore a Russian oil pipeline that supplies Central European nations, even as diplomatic friction intensifies with Hungary and Slovakia over the supply disruption.
Oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline have been suspended since January 27, following what Ukrainian authorities describe as Russian drone strikes that damaged the infrastructure running through Ukrainian land.
Leaders in Hungary and Slovakia, both nations that continue purchasing Russian energy unlike most EU members, have blamed Ukraine for intentionally blocking the oil supply. Ukrainian officials counter that ongoing Russian bombardments make repair work dangerous for workers, and that any fixes would leave the pipeline exposed to additional attacks.
During Thursday’s press briefing, Zelenskyy made clear his opposition to pipeline restoration despite pressure from the affected countries.
“To be honest, I wouldn’t restore it. This is my position,” Zelenskyy said.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s administration, considered Moscow’s strongest EU ally, has prevented a 90-billion euro ($106 billion) European loan to Ukraine due to the oil supply halt, and has threatened to oppose future Ukraine-supporting measures until deliveries restart.
Orbán, currently behind in polling ahead of next month’s significant electoral contest, has intensified his anti-Ukraine rhetoric domestically, characterizing the war-torn nation as a major threat. Without providing proof, he has alleged that Ukraine and Zelenskyy aim to destroy Hungary economically, and has warned citizens that his electoral defeat would drag the country into direct conflict with Russia.
At an economic conference Thursday, Orbán declared his determination to prevail in the oil dispute with Ukraine.
“We will win and we will win with force” in the feud with Ukraine over oil shipments, Orbán said.
“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 said. “I will make no pact, there will be no compromise. We will defeat them.”
Both Hungary and Slovakia have suggested dispatching an investigation team to examine the pipeline damage in western Ukraine and determine repair possibilities. Zelenskyy stated Thursday that no formal EU request for site access has reached him, though he expects “I think it will certainly come in one format or another.”
Zelenskyy expressed hope that “one person” would not obstruct the crucial 90-billion euro EU loan that Ukraine requires to maintain its defense against Russian aggression.
“This is Russian oil, and there are certain principles that have no price,” he continued. “They kill us, and we have to give oil to Orbán because he cannot win elections without it?”
