Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rebuffed appeals from European Union leaders to repair a key oil pipeline crucial to Hungarian energy supplies, a move that threatens to derail a €90 billion ($97 billion) EU aid package for Ukraine. The exchange occurred during a visit to Kyiv by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa to mark the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion.
Von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv with a symbolic offering of just €100 million in aid, a fraction of the larger package currently stalled due to Hungarian opposition. According to reports, Zelenskyy dismissed the request to restart the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary, curtly asking, “What for?”
The pipeline’s status has become a key point of contention, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán leveraging its repair as a condition for approving the EU aid. Orbán alleges that Ukraine is attempting to interfere in upcoming Hungarian elections by withholding maintenance on the pipeline. Kyiv and Brussels, but, are reportedly eager to see Orbán defeated in those elections.
Despite Zelenskyy’s reluctance, von der Leyen indicated that the EU is exploring ways to circumvent Hungary’s veto. Costa, a trained lawyer, suggested that provisions within EU treaties might allow the aid to be disbursed “one way or another.” This approach, however, raises concerns about the democratic legitimacy of bypassing a member state’s objections.
The situation highlights a growing rift within the EU, with critics questioning the bloc’s willingness to expend taxpayer money without democratic oversight. The impasse as well comes as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urges “robust” security guarantees for Ukraine, signaling a continued commitment to supporting the country against Russian aggression. [dw.com]
As of Friday, February 27, 2026, the EU has not publicly detailed the specific legal mechanisms it intends to employ to overcome Hungary’s opposition. Orbán’s office has not issued a response to the latest developments, and the fate of the €90 billion aid package remains uncertain.
