Kyiv – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has equated the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline with effectively lifting sanctions against Moscow, a statement that underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding energy supplies to Europe.
Zelenskyy made the remarks on Sunday, March 15, 2026, although discussing the issue with journalists. He emphasized his opposition to allowing Russian oil exports via the pipeline, which has been disrupted since late January due to damage reportedly caused by a Russian air strike. The development underscores growing tensions between Ukraine and some European nations reliant on the Druzhba pipeline for their energy needs.
According to reports, French President Emmanuel Macron raised the question of repair timelines with Zelenskyy, prompting the Ukrainian leader’s strong response. “I said it’s difficult for me since leaders want to skip this step. It’s not right. The question is bigger – whether we are selling Russian oil or not,” Zelenskyy stated. “Because there is pressure on me to restore Druzhba. What is the difference between that and lifting sanctions against Russia?”
Zelenskyy questioned the logic of opposing sanctions relief for Russia while simultaneously being pressured to reinstate oil flow through the pipeline, even at a political cost. “If we have decided to restart Russian oil supplies, I want them to understand that I am against it,” he said. “And don’t accuse me of blocking it. I am not blocking it. I openly say – I am against it. But if they place conditions on me that Ukraine will not receive weapons, then, excuse me, I am powerless in this matter.”
He accused some European allies of “shantāzh” – or blackmail – for suggesting a link between continued military aid to Ukraine and the resumption of Russian oil transit. Zelenskyy maintained that Ukraine was not responsible for the damage to the Druzhba pipeline, attributing it to a Russian aerial attack. “I did not blow up Druzhba. That is a fact. And no one can dispute it,” he asserted.
The situation has also been complicated by strained relations between Ukraine and Hungary, with Budapest accusing Kyiv of deliberately halting the flow of oil through the pipeline. This disruption has led to the cessation of Russian crude oil deliveries to Hungary. Similar accusations have come from Slovakia, another country that relies on the Druzhba pipeline. As parliamentary elections approach in Hungary on April 12, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has become increasingly critical of Ukraine and has even threatened to employ force to secure Russian oil supplies.
