Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced completion of repair work on the Russian oil pipeline damaged by strikes, linking the restoration to EU aid approval.
12:48 PM
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Tuesday that Ukraine has completed repair work on a section of the Druzhba oil pipeline damaged by a Russian strike, and the pipeline is ready to resume operations.
Zelenskyy made the announcement following discussions with government officials on priorities in energy cooperation with partners. "As agreed in communication with the European Union, Ukraine has completed repair work on the section of the Druzhba oil pipeline that was damaged by a Russian strike. The pipeline can resume operation," he said on X.
The Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Europe, had become a significant obstacle for Ukraine in unlocking a €90 billion aid package from the European Union. The suspension of oil flow through the pipeline prompted strong reactions from Hungary and Slovakia, both countries remaining dependent on Russian oil imports. Officials from both nations had previously accused Kyiv of not accelerating repair efforts.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the ongoing security risks posed by Russian military action. "Although no one can currently guarantee that Russia will not repeat attacks on the pipeline infrastructure, our specialists have ensured the basic conditions for restoring the operation of the pipeline system and equipment," he stated.
The Ukrainian president linked the completion of repairs to the unblocking of the European support package for Ukraine, which has already been approved by the European Council. "We also hope that partners will take the appropriate steps regarding the clusters for Ukraine—we have already done our part of the work on the first clusters," Zelenskyy said.
European Council President Antonio Costa acknowledged Ukraine's action on the matter. "Thank you President Zelenskyy for delivering as agreed: repairing the Druzhba pipeline and restoring its operation," Costa said on X.
Zelenskyy also stressed the need to continue systematic sanctions pressure on Russia and further work on diversifying energy supplies.
Brent crude fell below $90 a barrel after Iran declared the strategic waterway completely open for commercial traffic during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Russian forces conducted nearly 100 attacks across three days on Ukrainian region, targeting civilian infrastructure and residential areas.
Russia's Foreign Minister said Moscow can help fill energy gaps for China amid Middle East conflict and rising oil prices.
Italy's transport minister expresses concern over energy costs and calls for EU fiscal rule suspension amid Iranian conflict effects.
A 10-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah began Friday, displacing over one million Lebanese residents and complicating Netanyahu's political position domestically.
Ukrainian air defenses neutralized 667 of 703 detected aerial targets over 24 hours, including cruise missiles and hundreds of drones.
