Zelenskyy says when Druzhba pipeline is set to resume operations
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (rada.gov.ua)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that repairs of the Druzhba pipeline are going as planned and also commented on relations with Hungary and his readiness to meet with the new Prime Minister.
Zelenskyy said the pipeline will be partially restored and operational by the end of April.
He clarified that not all storage facilities will be repaired by that time, as the process takes longer, but it will be enough for the system to function.
According to him, Ukraine expects the completion of the work to coincide with the fulfillment of commitments by European Union countries, primarily Hungary, which had previously blocked key decisions important for Kyiv.
Relations with Hungary after the elections
The President stressed that Ukraine is committed to cooperation with Hungary, noting the good relations between the two nations and the need to maintain them.
He said that engagement with the new leadership should be based on pragmatism, agreements, cooperation, and mutual respect, which strengthens both sides.
Zelenskyy also noted that Hungary’s elections took place on Sunday, April 12, and that the people made their choice, calling the coincidence of the date with Easter in Ukraine symbolic.
Readiness for dialogue with the new Prime Minister
The head of state said he is ready to meet with Péter Magyar as soon as the new Prime Minister is prepared.
He added that options for traveling to Europe via Germany had been discussed, but Ukraine also offered its own transport, noting that the journey would take about 11–12 hours, and that this option remains open.
Péter Magyar, who won the elections in Hungary, is preparing a comprehensive strategy to restore relations with the European Union after Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule.
Magyar, leader of the Tisza party and winner of Hungary’s parliamentary elections, has signaled that Budapest is unlikely to block the allocation of €90 billion to Ukraine.
