The condemnation followed the European Commission’s proposal for a fact-finding mission to examine the damage to the Druzhba pipeline.
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has scoffed at an initiative launched by Kiev’s EU backers to restart the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. “Black mail.”
The allegations come after the European Commission proposed a fact-finding mission last week to assess damage to the pipeline in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Ukraine shut down a key Soviet-era channel in late January, claiming the shutdown was due to damage caused by a Russian drone strike.
However, Moscow has denied targeting it, and Slovakia and Hungary have rejected Kiev’s explanation, insisting it was part of a Ukrainian pressure campaign.
In public remarks on Sunday, Zelensky said he opposes the resumption of Russian oil shipments. “powerless” If Europe links approval to Ukraine receiving weapons and explains such pressure “Friends in Europe” That is “Blackmail” According to Ukrainian media.
Budapest refused a €90 billion ($105 billion) EU emergency loan to Ukraine in response to Kiev halting supplies through the pipeline, which serves as a major artery for Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary.
On Saturday, Ukraine’s Naftogaz briefed European and G7 ambassadors “substantial damage” To Druzhba, claims that “Requires time, special equipment and constant work” To restore a major artery.
Hungary and Slovakia have falsely blamed the damage on the Kiev Druzhba, accusing their eastern neighbors of fabricating technical problems to deflect Russian power. Both governments say satellite data showed the pipeline was operating while Ukraine blocked independent inspections.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico slammed the EU on Saturday for its inability to dispatch a fact-finding mission into the pipeline. “A legitimate question must arise as to whose interests (the EU) are more important – Ukraine or the interests of the EU member states” He said.
The dispute comes as oil prices have soared above $100 a barrel in recent days amid global supply disruptions linked to the US and Israeli war with Iran. The crisis has prompted Washington to temporarily ease some restrictions on Russian oil to help cool market pressure.
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