Zelenskyy: Suspension of Druzhba pipeline has no impact on global oil market

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the suspension of the Druzhba oil pipeline does not affect the global oil market, and that restoring it would be equivalent to lifting sanctions on Russia, according to UNIAN.

“I did not blow up the Druzhba pipeline,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he is being pressured to repair the pipeline, which was damaged due to Russian strikes.

The Ukrainian leader emphasised that resuming Russian oil exports is unacceptable. He noted that halting supplies through Druzhba has no impact on the global market, as “these are not significant volumes.”

Zelenskyy also said that in a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, he highlighted that pipeline repairs are a secondary issue. The primary question is: “Do we sell Russian oil or not? Because I am being forced to restore Druzhba. How is this different from lifting sanctions on Russia?”

Responding to Hungary’s accusations of intentionally blocking oil supplies, Zelenskyy said: “Don’t blame me for blocking it. I am not blocking it. I am openly saying I am against it. But if conditions are set that Ukraine does not receive weapons, then, excuse me, I am powerless in this matter. I told our friends in Europe that this is called blackmail.”

By Khagan Isayev