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“I Would Not Restore the Druzhba Oil Pipeline,” Says Zelenskyy
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the restoration of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which was damaged by Russian strikes, involves both technical and political factors.
He noted that while Ukraine is not blocking European Commission representatives from accessing the site, the country considers its own confirmation of the destruction to be sufficient, according to Suspilne News on March 5.
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The President emphasized that Ukraine is an independent state and provides factual information regarding the damage to the pipeline. This statement was made in response to demands from Hungary and Slovakia to allow foreign specialists to inspect the facility’s condition.
“We have an independent state, we have an oil pipeline, Russia has destroyed it repeatedly, and there were injuries after the second destruction of our oil pipeline, and when they wanted to check us, we clearly said there was destruction. I do not think that EU representatives do not trust us. I think our word is enough. Over these years, we have shown that we are real, proper partners,” Zelenskyy said.
The President added that Ukraine is waiting for an official request from Hungary and EU countries regarding access to the damaged infrastructure for inspection purposes.
Zelenskyy explained that this involves Russian oil and certain principles that are priceless, emphasizing: “Russians are killing us, and we have to give oil to Orban because he cannot win the elections without it. Therefore, this is my position.” At the same time, he acknowledged that the EU links financial assistance and a 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine to the restoration of the pipeline’s operation.
Serhiy Koretskyi, the head of Naftogaz of Ukraine, provided further details, stating that key damage occurred on January 27, 2026, near the city of Brody. The main pumping station was destroyed during the attack.
He explained that restoring the infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach because the system involves large-scale components like pumping units, compressors, and control panels. He noted that for technical pumping to occur, a discharge tank must be installed to protect the system from excessive pressure and prevent environmental disasters.
Koretskyi stressed the importance of preventing an environmental disaster in the Lviv region and considering the ongoing threat from Russia during repair efforts. He explained that following the Russian attack, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine worked to ensure that oil did not spill into the Styr River or the surrounding environment.
He stated that ecology is a major priority and that the current goal is to ensure technical functionality within a month and a half.
Earlier, a Russian air strike in late January damaged the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which caused a temporary halt in crude supplies to Hungary and Slovakia.
While Slovakia confirmed that deliveries were suspended, officials noted that strategic reserves remained sufficient for 90 days, even as combined flows to the region dropped significantly compared to previous years.
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