Druzhba oil pipeline to be repaired by end of April, Zelensky says

The Druzhba oil pipeline will be repaired by the end of April. 

Zelensky made this statement during a joint press briefing with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, Ukrinform's correspondent reports.

"Regarding the oil pipeline, as we promised, it will be repaired by the end of April. Not completely, but enough to function. Not all reservoirs will be repaired – that's a long process, but that's a separate issue. Yes, by the end of April. We strongly hope this will coincide with other obligations of European Union countries, primarily Hungary, which have been blocking certain important decisions for us," Zelensky said.

As previously reported, Zelensky had earlier stated that repairs to the Druzhba pipeline would be completed this spring, enabling the resumption of oil transit.

Hungary has blocked a EUR 90 billion EU loan to Ukraine, as well as the adoption of the EU's 20th sanctions package and the opening of negotiation clusters. In exchange for unfreezing financial assistance, Hungary has demanded the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline's operation.

Photo: video screenshot (YouTube)