Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused some European allies of attempting to “blackmail” Kyiv into restoring a key pipeline carrying Russian oil to Central Europe, warning that reopening it would effectively weaken sanctions on Moscow.
The dispute centers on the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude oil to several European countries including Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian officials say the pipeline was damaged during Russian air strikes in January and has yet to be repaired.
Zelensky said allowing Russian oil to continue flowing through Ukraine while the European Union maintains sanctions on Moscow would be contradictory and politically damaging.
“We either sell Russian oil or we don’t,” Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv. “How is forcing Ukraine to restore Druzhba different from lifting sanctions on Russia?”
The Ukrainian leader argued that reopening the pipeline would undermine the EU’s sanctions regime against Moscow following the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
The disagreement has intensified due to pressure from Hungary, which remains heavily dependent on Russian energy supplies.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has blocked new EU sanctions against Russia and delayed approval of a €90bn financial assistance package intended to support Ukraine’s economy and defense.
Orban has made criticism of Ukraine a central theme ahead of Hungary’s upcoming elections in April, where his party is currently trailing in opinion polls.
EU officials have urged Kyiv to repair the pipeline quickly and allow inspectors to assess the damage. Some diplomats fear Zelensky’s resistance could strengthen Orban politically and complicate EU unity on sanctions.
However, Zelensky insisted he is not blocking repairs outright but opposing political pressure tied to energy transit.
“If we decide to restore Russian oil supplies, I want it to be clear that I am against it,” he said. “But if conditions are placed on Ukraine—such as delaying weapons deliveries—then that becomes blackmail.
The controversy comes as global energy markets face new disruptions linked to the widening conflict in the Middle East.
The United States recently eased restrictions on countries purchasing Russian oil to address a supply crunch triggered by the ongoing war involving the US, Israel and Iran.
Zelensky criticized the move, arguing that relaxing sanctions benefits Moscow and undermines efforts to pressure Russia economically.
“We do not support relaxing sanctions on Russia,” he said. “It will not help the world—it will only help Russia.
At the same time, Zelensky highlighted Ukraine’s growing drone industry as a strategic asset. He described interceptor drones developed by Ukraine as the country’s “new oil,” emphasizing their value in defending against frequent Russian aerial attacks.
The Ukrainian president said Kyiv is ready to sign a $50bn joint drone production agreement with the United States. According to Zelensky, Washington has contacted Ukraine several times about potential cooperation since the conflict in the Middle East escalated.
“For us, this is like oil,” Zelensky said. “Our expertise and production of modern drones are Ukraine’s energy today.”
Still, he warned that the Middle East crisis could shift Washington’s focus away from Ukraine and potentially delay the delivery of critical military aid.
“We do not want to lose the Americans,” Zelensky said. “But the United States is clearly more focused on the Middle East right now.