Ukraine does everything necessary to restore operation of Druzhba pipeline – Zelensky
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is doing everything necessary to restore the operation of the Druzhba pipeline. At the same time, he said Ukraine expects the unblocking of EUR 90 billion in assistance, adding that the key question is whether Europe is willing to resume imports of Russian oil.
According to Ukrinform, he stated this in his address to participants of the European Council meeting.
Zelensky stressed that the EUR 90 billion support package for 2026–2027 is critically important for Ukraine. For its part, Ukraine is taking all necessary steps to unblock it, including actions related to the Druzhba pipeline.
"We count on you to unblock the EUR 90 billion package of financial security guarantees for this year and the next. This package was supposed to work in spring but it was blocked. Ukraine, for its part, is doing what is needed, including on the oil pipeline, as we discussed with Antonio and Ursula to make this possible. Our team from energy companies, Naftogaz and Ukrtransnafta, are working productively to deliver on what we discussed. But the decision is yours: whether you want Russian oil to be imported by Europe, knowing that it helps the aggressor," Zelensky said.
He emphasized that Russian strikes have damaged Ukraine's energy infrastructure, making it essential to act quickly to protect the energy system and rebuild what has been destroyed. At least EUR 5 billion from the overall package is needed to ensure energy resilience for the next winter.
"We held energy Ramstein meetings and all participants were fully informed about the situation and our needs. We need to act quickly to protect our energy system and rebuild what was destroyed by Russia. Time matters. This work must start now. And so funding is needed now, at least EUR 5 billion for energy resilience for the next winter as a part of the EUR 90 billion package," he noted.
Zelensky also underlined that these funds are needed to pay contracts with European manufacturers for aircraft, air defense systems, and equipment.
As previously reported, the European Union has offered Ukraine assistance and financing to speed up repairs on the Druzhba pipeline, amid the uncompromising stance of Hungary, which continues to block an EU loan for Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia, linking both issues to the restoration of oil transit through Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky also confirmed in a letter to Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa that Ukraine remains a reliable energy partner for the EU and rejected accusations that it is deliberately obstructing the restoration of oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.