Zelensky responds to Orban and Fico's continued calls to restore Druzhba oil pipeline

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that when the Druzhba oil pipeline was restored after its first damage, Ukrainian citizens were injured, yet there were no calls from Hungary or Slovakia urging Russia not to strike the pipeline.

The head of state said this while answering journalists' questions, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"After the first strike on this pipeline, we restored everything. There were no appeals to the Russians not to hit it. […] But there were public appeals to Ukrainians saying that this was the energy security of Hungary and Slovakia. When our people were carrying out the repairs, there was another combat situation and people were wounded. Has anyone heard [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor] Orban or [Slovak Prime Minister Robert] Fico say 'we are very grateful to Ukraine' or 'we are very sorry for the families and loved ones who suffered'? Not a single word – except that we owe them again," Zelensky said.

At the same time, he noted that Hungary and Slovakia had blocked a EUR 90 billion loan from the European Union and the EU's next sanctions package, and because of them negotiating clusters for Ukraine have not been opened, while they simultaneously demand the restoration of the pipeline so that Russia can continue receiving money for the war.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine has no desire to restore the transit of Russian oil. He added that after several Russian strikes, the pipeline has sustained significant damage.

Responding to claims by Orban that the pipeline looks intact in satellite images, Zelensky said: "One large reservoir has been torn apart – that is what you can see. You cannot see the control panel from a satellite, nor the pipe underground. Maybe Orban can see what is happening to the pipe underground? I am surprised, but anything can happen."

He also reiterated that he had invited Fico to Ukraine to discuss all issues related to the pipeline.

Fico previously said he was ready to meet with Zelensky to discuss oil transit, but proposed holding the meeting in a third country.

Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky / Telegram