Zelensky reassures neighbors: We will repair the Druzhba pipeline in spring

Ukraine has made significant progress in repairing the Druzhba pipeline and will complete the work during the spring, Ukrainian President Zelensky said, according to Reuters. A bitter dispute has erupted over the pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Europe, with Bratislava and Budapest on one side and Kyiv on the other.

The Druzhba pipeline was damaged by a Russian drone attack in western Ukraine in January, and Slovakia and Hungary have been unable to receive Russian crude via this route ever since. Their governments accuse Kyiv of delaying the repairs. Ukraine denies this.

"We will complete the repairs, because that is what we agreed. I told them we would finish the work in the spring," Zelensky said.

"A lot has already been done... The damaged storage tank, of course, cannot be repaired quickly," the Ukrainian president also noted.

Over the dispute about Russian oil supplies, Hungary has blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine and says it will not change its position until the Druzhba pipeline is back in operation.

Energy prices are one of the major issues ahead of Sunday's parliamentary election in Hungary. Polls show that the Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has been in power since 2010, is trailing the opposition Tisza alliance.

Reuters, citing an unnamed industry source, reports that Ukraine is likely to complete repairs to the Druzhba pipeline this month.