Zelenskyy Links «Druzhba» Repair to Unblocking of €90 Billion from EU
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the completion of repairs on the «Druzhba» oil pipeline, linking it to the expected unblocking of 90 billion euros in European support. He also highlighted Ukraine's fulfillment of obligations for the first EU accession clusters and the importance of sanctions against Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has completed repair works on the «Druzhba» oil pipeline and links this to the expectation of unblocking a European support package for Ukraine. This refers to the December decision by EU leaders, approved by the European Council, to provide Ukraine with a loan of 90 billion euros.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine has fulfilled its part of the work on the first clusters in the process of accession negotiations with the EU. He also expressed hope that partners would take appropriate steps regarding these clusters.
The President emphasized the need to continue systemic sanctions pressure on Russia and work on further diversification of energy supplies to Europe. He stressed that Europe must be independent of those who seek to destroy or weaken it.
Earlier, current Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Ukraine expressed readiness to resume oil supplies via the «Druzhba» pipeline on Monday, provided Budapest unblocks the EU loan of 90 billion euros. The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, reported that the decision on providing Ukraine with an EU loan of 90 billion euros would be made within the next 24 hours. The EU plans to provide Ukraine with the first tranche of this amount in late May or early June 2026.