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Zelensky responded to Orbán and Fico regarding demands to restore the Druzhba oil pipeline

Zelensky responded to Orbán and Fico regarding demands to restore the Druzhba oil pipeline

Inna Kramarchuk Journalist

03 March 2026, 12:20

Zelensky responded to Orbán and Fico regarding demands to restore the Druzhba oil pipeline — The Druzhba oil pipeline Illustration by BBC

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that after the initial damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline, Ukraine resumed its operation despite injuries sustained by people during repairs. According to him, there were no calls from Hungary and Slovakia for Russia not to shell the facility.

Responding to questions from journalists, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine had restored the Druzhba oil pipeline after the first strike.

"After the first strike on this oil pipeline, we restored everything. There was no appeal to the Russians not to strike it. (...) But there were public appeals to Ukrainians, saying that this was a matter of energy security for Hungary and Slovakia. When our people were restoring it, there was another combat situation, and people were wounded. Has anyone heard Orbán or Fico say, 'We are very grateful to Ukraine,' or 'We are very sorry for the families and loved ones who have suffered'? Not a word, except that we owe them again," said the head of state.

The President noted that Hungary and Slovakia blocked a €90 billion European Union loan and the next EU sanctions package. According to him, these countries are not opening negotiation clusters, while at the same time demanding that the oil pipeline be restored so that Russia can receive funds for the war.

Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine has no desire to resume the transit of Russian oil. He added that after several strikes by Russia, the oil pipeline had suffered significant damage.

Commenting on statements by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán that the oil pipeline looks fine from a satellite, the President replied: "One large tank is torn, that's what you can see. You can't see the control panel from a satellite, and the pipe is underground. Maybe Orbán is a magician and can see what is happening with the pipe underground? I am surprised, but nevertheless, anything can happen."

The head of state also said that he had invited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit Ukraine to discuss all issues related to the oil pipeline.

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