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Zelenskyy Accuses EU of Blackmail Over Oil Pipeline

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused European leaders of blackmail to press Ukraine to restore Druzhba oil flows, saying the demand would lift sanctions on Russia.
The pipeline's closure has cost Ukraine, including a blocked €90 billion loan.
EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen stated the EU will cut off Russian energy supplies and reject normalization with Russia.

History

Historical Context

The closure of the Druzhba oil pipeline in 2022 severely impacted Ukraine's economy, costing an estimated €90 billion in blocked loans. This disruption stemmed from ongoing geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompting European leaders to pledge reductions in Russian energy supplies and reconsider energy policies to enhance independence from Russian resources.

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Story summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused European leaders of blackmail to press Ukraine to restore Druzhba oil flows, saying the demand would lift sanctions on Russia.
The pipeline's closure has cost Ukraine, including a blocked €90 billion loan.
EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen stated the EU will cut off Russian energy supplies and reject normalization with Russia.

1 / 2