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Zelensky Slams Allies Over Pipeline Blackmail Amid Crisis

3/15/2026

Summary

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused European allies of "blackmail" for urging Kyiv to reopen the Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
He argued that restoring the pipeline would violate EU sanctions against Russia.
Hungary is blocking EU sanctions and a €90 billion loan to Ukraine until the pipeline is repaired, due to its reliance on Russian energy.
Zelensky expressed concerns about potential delays in US military support amid the Middle East conflict and opposed the US's temporary sanctions waiver on Russian oil.

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Story summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused European allies of "blackmail" for urging Kyiv to reopen the Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
He argued that restoring the pipeline would violate EU sanctions against Russia.
Hungary is blocking EU sanctions and a €90 billion loan to Ukraine until the pipeline is repaired, due to its reliance on Russian energy.
Zelensky expressed concerns about potential delays in US military support amid the Middle East conflict and opposed the US's temporary sanctions waiver on Russian oil.