Finance
Druzhba Oil Pipeline Can Resume Operations, Zelenskiy Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 21, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 21, 2026
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Ukraine says repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline, damaged by a Russian strike, have been completed and it is ready to resume operations—prompting hopes that the €90 billion EU aid package will be unblocked.
Ukraine Restores Druzhba Pipeline, Paving Way for €90B EU Aid Package
Ukraine Repairs Druzhba Pipeline and Anticipates EU Financial Support
Pipeline Restoration and Official Statements
KYIV, April 21 (Reuters) - The Druzhba oil pipeline pumping Russian oil to Europe is ready to resume operations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday, signalling that Kyiv now expects a 90 billion euro aid package to be unblocked.
"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," Zelenskiy said on X.
Impact on EU Member States
The suspension of flows sparked outrage from Hungary and Slovakia, which remain reliant on Russian oil imports.
Hungary's Response and Political Tensions
Hungary's outgoing government had threatened to cut energy aid to Ukraine in response and Prime Minister Victor Orban blocked the aid package for Kyiv agreed by the European Commission.
Expectations for EU Aid Disbursement
Zelenskiy added that Ukraine, the wartime budget of which depends heavily on foreign financing, is expecting money to be disbursed as agreed after the Druzhba repairs.
"We connect this with the unblocking of the European support package for Ukraine, which had already been approved by the European Council," he said.
Russian Position on Pipeline Operations
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Russia was technically ready to resume oil flows through the pipeline.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Yuliia DysaEditing by David Goodman)
Key Takeaways
- •Repairs on the pipeline section damaged on Jan 27 have been completed and it can now resume operations, Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says
- •Hungary and Slovakia had blocked a €90 billion EU support package and even halted diesel and electricity supplies to Ukraine over the interruption
- •The EU and Ukraine had previously coordinated on technical and financial support to restore the pipeline; Russia says it is technically ready to resume flows too
Frequently Asked Questions about Druzhba oil pipeline can resume operations, Zelenskiy says
1What is the current status of the Druzhba oil pipeline?
According to President Zelenskiy, repair work is complete and the Druzhba pipeline is ready to resume operations.
2Why was the Druzhba pipeline suspended?
The Druzhba pipeline was suspended following damage from a Russian strike.
3What impact does the pipeline’s resumption have on Ukraine?
Resuming the pipeline is expected to unlock a €90 billion EU aid package for Ukraine.
4How did Hungary and Slovakia react to the suspension?
Hungary and Slovakia expressed outrage as they rely on Russian oil, and Hungary threatened to cut energy aid to Ukraine.
5Is Russia ready to resume oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline?
The Kremlin stated that Russia is technically ready to resume oil flows through the pipeline.
