According to the publication, the pipeline has not been operational since January due to a Russian attack, and this issue has sparked a serious conflict between Ukraine and Hungary. Kyiv claims that restoring transit under the current conditions would be seen as a weakening of the sanctions pressure on Russia.
Zelensky noted: "I am being forced to resume the operation of the oil pipeline. How is this different from lifting sanctions on the Russians?" — he said in a conversation with media representatives, commenting on the demands for the resumption of oil pumping.
Politico also mentions that Budapest accuses Kyiv of deliberately delaying the restoration of infrastructure, which, according to the Hungarian side, could lead to an energy crisis in the country. In response, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is reportedly blocking the provision of a new financial aid package to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, on March 14, the Ukrainian company "Naftogaz" held a briefing for diplomats from 31 countries, during which it presented updated data on the consequences of the January attack on the "Druzhba" pipeline infrastructure. The company stated that restoring such facilities requires time, specialized equipment, and continuous work by specialists, especially under ongoing threat conditions.
Additional pressure on the situation is also being exerted by the rise in global oil prices caused by supply disruptions due to the conflict in Iran.
