Zelenskyy Accuses EU Allies of Blackmail in Russian Oil Pipeline Dispute
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has launched a sharp accusation against European Union allies, claiming they are attempting to blackmail Kyiv into reopening a critical pipeline that transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. The Ukrainian leader asserted that restoring the flow of Russian crude oil through Ukraine into the European Union would effectively amount to lifting economic sanctions against Moscow.
Damaged Pipeline and Political Pressure
The Soviet-era Druzhba oil pipeline, which serves as a vital energy conduit, was damaged by Russian air strikes in January 2024 and has yet to be repaired. Hungary, which remains heavily dependent on Russian energy supplies, has been blocking both fresh EU sanctions against Moscow and a crucial €90 billion loan package for Kyiv until the pipeline is reopened.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made hostility toward Ukraine a central campaign issue ahead of April elections, with his party currently trailing in opinion polls. The European Union has urged Zelenskyy to expedite repairs on the pipeline and has requested permission for inspectors to assess the damage. Some EU officials fear that Zelenskyy's resistance to reopening the pipeline could inadvertently bolster Orban's re-election prospects.
Principle Opposition to Russian Oil Transit
Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, including representatives from the BBC, President Zelenskyy clarified that his opposition is rooted in principle. He questioned the logic of allowing Russian oil to transit through Ukraine while the European Union maintains sanctions on its sale elsewhere.
"We either sell Russian oil or we don't," Zelenskyy stated. "Because [the EU] are forcing me to restore Druzhba. How is this different from lifting sanctions on the Russians? Why can we in one case tell the United States that we oppose lifting sanctions, while on the other hand forcing Ukraine to resume oil transit through Druzhba and at a political price that effectively pays for anti-European policies?"
Context of U.S. Sanctions Loosening
Zelenskyy's comments follow a recent decision by the United States to temporarily loosen sanctions that prevented other countries from purchasing Russian oil. This move was intended to alleviate the energy supply crunch triggered by the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, but it has drawn criticism from numerous European leaders.
"If we have decided to restore Russian oil supplies, then I want them to know that I am against it. And there is no need to accuse me of blocking anything. I am not blocking it. I am saying openly: 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," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He further stressed that the EU's decision to loan Ukraine €90 billion had been unanimously adopted by all 27 member states and must be fully implemented without political conditions attached to pipeline repairs.
Ukrainian Drone Expertise as Strategic Asset
Shifting focus to the widening conflict in the Middle East, Zelenskyy described Ukraine's advanced interceptor drone technology as "Ukrainian oil"—a valuable strategic resource. He revealed that Ukraine is prepared to agree to a $50 billion joint production deal with the United States, noting that Washington has expressed significant interest in such an arrangement.
Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, many countries, particularly in the Gulf region, have sought Ukraine's assistance in defending against inexpensive Iranian-designed drones. Ukraine has emerged as a global leader in both producing cost-effective interceptor drones and developing optimal tactics for their deployment against near-nightly Russian attacks.
"For us, this is like oil. The production of modern drones and Ukraine's relevant expertise is our today's Ukrainian oil," Zelenskyy told reporters. He underscored that Ukraine would demand both financial compensation and technology transfers in exchange for any collaborative agreements.
The Ukrainian leader disclosed that a joint drone production proposal was presented to the U.S. last year but remains unapproved. "We were ready then, and are still fully ready now. We would welcome such a shared use of experience. That is why we made this proposal," he added.
U.S. Engagement and Regional Risks
Zelenskyy confirmed that since the U.S.-Israel military action against Iran, American officials have contacted Ukraine multiple times. "There were several requests – either for assistance to a particular country or for support for Americans. Our military is in contact at various levels. We received letters, calls, and requests across all military institutions," he reported.
However, the Ukrainian president also voiced concerns about the potential risks the Middle East conflict poses to Ukraine's security. "We do not want to lose the Americans; we speak about this openly. The United States is, without question, currently more focused on the Middle East. There may be delays in delivering certain weapons or reductions in the volume of critical defensive supplies for us," Zelenskyy warned.
Opposition to U.S. Sanctions Waiver
Zelenskyy explicitly opposed the United States' 30-day waiver on sanctions against Russian oil already at sea, arguing that such measures ultimately benefit Russia rather than global stability. "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 asserted.
He further elaborated, "We certainly do not support relaxing the sanctions policy. And overall, this war in the Middle East does not help us, here and now, although we have no illusions about the Iranian regime and we absolutely do not support it and that is putting it mildly."
The temporary U.S. sanctions waiver is anticipated to remain in effect until April 11, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin's economic envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, has interpreted the sanctions relaxation as evidence that Russia remains indispensable to global energy market stability, suggesting that further easing is inevitable.
