Zelenskyy: Ukraine is working to restore the "Druzhba" pipeline and is awaiting the release of 90 billion euros

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is taking all necessary measures to resume operations on the Druzhba oil pipeline and is awaiting the release of €90 billion in EU financial aid.

He made this statement during an address to participants at a European Council meeting.

According to the president, this support package for 2026–2027 is critically important for Ukraine and was supposed to have been implemented as early as this spring, but remains blocked to this day.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian energy companies, in particular Naftogaz and Ukrtransnafta, are working to implement the agreements that should facilitate the release of funding.

At the same time, he asked European partners about their position regarding Russian oil imports, noting that such supplies effectively support the aggressor.

The President also emphasized that due to Russian strikes, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has suffered significant damage, so it is necessary to secure funding for its restoration as soon as possible.

According to him, at least €5 billion is needed right now to prepare the power grid for next winter as part of the overall aid package.

In addition, these funds are needed to pay for contracts with European arms manufacturers, including aircraft, air defense systems, and other equipment.

Slovakia has unblockedthe extension of EU sanctions against Russia.

The EU Council adoptedtwo documents for a €90 billion loan to Ukraine; Hungary is blocking the latter.

Hungary blocked the final approval of the €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine due to objections regarding one of the agenda items. It concerned amendments to the regulations of the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2021–2027.

Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, confirmed that Budapest has blocked the €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine.