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Ukraine has completed repairs on the Druzhba oil pipeline that carries Russian crude to Europe, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday, adding that the damaged section is now ready to return to service.
"The pipeline can resume operation," Zelenskyy said, but warned that there are no guarantees against future strikes targeting the same infrastructure. Ukrainian specialists, he added, have ensured the system and equipment are ready for use again.
The fix removes a major sticking point in a dispute involving Kyiv, the European Union, and member states still dependent on the pipeline.
The Druzhba pipeline had been damaged in late January during Russian attacks, disrupting flows toward Europe.
The pipeline plays a critical role for countries like Hungary and Slovakia, which still import Russian oil via Druzhba—one of the world’s largest systems, spanning roughly 4,000 kilometers and carrying up to 1.4 million barrels per day. Both had accused Ukraine of delaying repairs, deepening tensions within the bloc.
The repair effort has been closely linked to broader negotiations with the European Union over financial assistance. Zelenskyy pushed for the release of a €90 billion ($105.8 billion) support package, previously blocked by Hungary, stressing that Ukraine has fulfilled its commitments.
Following talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Zelenskyy said Ukraine expects the funds to start flowing soon. EU officials also indicated a deal could be reached in the near term, suggesting the pipeline issue may no longer hold up negotiations.
European Council President Antonio Costa welcomed the development, thanking Ukraine for delivering on its commitment to restore the pipeline and enable its operation again.
Despite reopening the route for Russian oil, Kyiv continues to call for stronger measures against Moscow. Zelenskyy urged allies to maintain sustained sanctions pressure and accelerate efforts to diversify Europe’s energy sources.
"Europe must be independent from those who seek to weaken it," he said, pointing to the need for long-term structural changes in energy supply chains.
At the same time, Ukraine is preparing a new round of coordination with partners under an “energy Ramstein” format—a platform bringing international partners together to speed up funding and support for rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
Kyiv is also stepping up efforts to secure its energy system against further attacks as the war continues to strain critical facilities.
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