Druzhba Pipeline Repaired, Ready to Resume Operations

Kyiv seeks to stabilize energy flows and secure EU support by repairing the Druzhba pipeline ahead of loan expectations. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a press conference during a summit with the leaders of NATO's eastern and Nordic members (B9 and Nordic countries) on June 2, 2025 in Vilnius, Lithuania. (Photo by Petras Malukas / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine has completed repairs on a section of the Druzhba oil pipeline and is ready to resume operations. On Tuesday, in a statement published on Telegram , after discussions with government officials on energy cooperation, Zelensky said Ukrainian specialists had restored the basic conditions necessary for the pipeline system and equipment to function. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “As determined in communication with the European Union , Ukraine carried out repair work on the section of the Druzhba oil pipeline damaged by a Russian strike. The pipeline can resume operation,” Zelensky said, adding that no one can guarantee further Russian attacks on the infrastructure will not occur. Zelensky linked the restoration of the pipeline to expectations that the European Union will unblock a €90 billion ($106 billion) support package for Ukraine, which has already been approved by the European Council. The loan, aimed at funding Ukraine’s 2026–27 budgets, was blocked in February by outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán over a pipeline dispute. The president emphasized the need to maintain systemic sanctions pressure on Russia and to continue diversifying Europe’s energy supplies, saying Europe must not depend on those seeking to weaken or destroy it. He also said that amid the ongoing energy crisis linked to the war involving Iran , it is essential to fully implement agreements on fuel supplies to Ukraine. Other Topics of Interest EU to Deliver First €90B Loan Tranche to Ukraine by Early June, With 2027 Funding Gap Looming Europe aims to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financing needs for 2026–27, but warns that international partners have yet to confirm funding for 2027. Required fuel volumes for April and May have already been secured. Preparations are also underway for a meeting in the energy “ Ramstein ” format, aimed at accelerating funding and strengthening the protection of energy facilities. Veronika Sukhanych is a political analyst with a foundation in governance, legal research, and international policy. Kyiv-born and educated in comparative politics, her background includes research on global financial institutions, responsible AI governance, and security policy.