The technical part is complete, but the final step depends on the political will of the EU.
Ukraine has met all technical conditions for the resumption of the Druzhba oil pipeline and is awaiting the European Union’s unblocking of a €90 billion aid package. The future of transit and support now hinges on the political decision of EU leaders.
As reported by RBC-Ukraine, this was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a speech to participants of the European Council meeting.
Also read: European experts have arrived in Ukraine to inspect the Druzhba pipeline, – Reuters
Unblocking aid and the oil issue
According to the head of state, the Ukrainian side has fulfilled its part of the agreements, particularly through the work of Naftogaz and Ukrtransnafta.
This should serve as the basis for providing financial guarantees for 2026-2027, which were blocked in the spring.
“Ukraine is doing everything necessary on its part, including regarding the oil pipeline, to make this possible. But the decision is yours – do you want Russian oil to be imported into Europe, knowing that it helps the aggressor,” Zelensky emphasized.
Preparation for winter and air defense needs
The president noted that due to ongoing Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, funding is needed immediately. At least €5 billion from the larger aid package should be directed towards ensuring the resilience of the energy system this winter.
“We must act quickly to protect our energy system and restore what has been destroyed by Russia. Time is of the essence. This work needs to start now,” he stressed.
In addition to energy, these funds are necessary for payments to European manufacturers for contracts on the supply of aircraft and air defense systems.
Earlier, the European Union offered Ukraine assistance in repairing the oil pipeline amid Hungary’s stance.
Budapest has long blocked the allocation of funds and new sanctions against the Russian Federation, demanding the restoration of oil transit through Ukrainian territory.
The situation surrounding EU aid and the Druzhba pipeline
Recall that despite systematic blocking by Hungary, the European Union continues technical preparations for the disbursement of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. Brussels is focused on ensuring that political barriers do not halt the process of providing financial support.
At the same time, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressed confidence that partners will find effective mechanisms to bypass the Hungarian veto. The ministry notes that these funds are critically important not only for the Ukrainian economy but also for European security as a whole.
Also today, March 19, European experts arrived in Ukraine to inspect the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged as a result of Russian shelling. The mission’s goal is to assess the actual condition of the facility and the technical possibilities for restoring oil transit, which is one of the conditions for unblocking aid.
