Chicago – March 15, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused European Union allies of “blackmail” for pressuring Kyiv to reopen the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
The pipeline, damaged by Russian airstrikes in January, remains unrepaired, halting flows that these nations heavily depend on. Zelensky argues that restoring transit equates to undermining EU sanctions on Moscow, stating, “We either sell Russian oil or we don’t,” during talks with reporters including BBC in Kyiv.
Hungary’s Viktor Orban, trailing in April polls, is blocking a €90 billion EU loan and new sanctions until repairs proceed, while the EU seeks inspectors for the site. Zelensky warned that tying aid like weapons to the issue constitutes blackmail and insisted the unanimous loan approval must be honored.
Some EU officials fear delays bolster Orban’s re-election. Zelensky opposes the move on principle amid ongoing sanctions.
