Zelenskyy says Druzhba pipeline may resume in 1-1.5 months

Regional outlets present Zelenskyy as using the Druzhba pipeline as a tool in his dispute with Hungary while acknowledging that the line could be restored in a matter of weeks. They describe Ukraine as unwilling to invest in repairs for infrastructure that mainly serves Russian exports and governments seen as unfriendly to Kyiv. They expect further bargaining over transit terms and political conditions before any long-term decision on Druzhba’s operation is made.

• •Volodymyr Zelenskyy uses the Druzhba pipeline’s repair and operation to pressure Viktor Orbán over Hungary’s stance on Russia and Ukraine.
• •Ukrainian authorities see little reason to fund repairs on a pipeline that primarily benefits Russian oil exports and Central European buyers.
• •Technical experts in Ukraine estimate that Druzhba flows could be restored within one to one-and-a-half months if repairs were authorized.
• •Kyiv links future use of Druzhba to broader political issues, including sanctions on Russia and Hungary’s support for Ukraine.
• •Regional commentators expect Ukraine to seek better financial and political terms from EU states before agreeing to long-term Druzhba transit.