politics
March 18, 2026
How Zelensky’s ‘oil blockade’ against EU states backfired on Ukraine
Ukraine’s halt of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline has triggered a clash with Hungary and Slovakia, putting the EU loan for Kiev at risk
TL;DR
- Ukraine agreed to an EU inspection of the Druzhba oil pipeline, a last-minute effort to resolve a dispute with Hungary.
- Hungary had blocked a €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine due to the halt in Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline.
- Ukraine claimed damage from a Russian drone strike caused the pipeline shutdown, while Hungary and Slovakia accused Kyiv of fabricating issues.
- The Druzhba pipeline is crucial for Hungary and Slovakia, which rely on it for Russian Urals-grade oil.
- The dispute has raised concerns about Ukraine's access to Western funding, as the loan remains blocked and other financial aid is delayed.
- The situation is exacerbated by global energy market turmoil due to the war in Iran.
Continue reading the original article