Zelensky accuses EU allies of ‘blackmail’ in oil pipeline row

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused some European Union allies of engaging in “blackmail” over the potential resumption of Russian oil shipments through Ukraine to the EU. He asserted that allowing oil to flow again via the southern Druzhba pipeline, which transits Ukrainian territory, would be equivalent to easing existing sanctions against Russia. Zelensky’s remarks indicate a significant disagreement within the EU regarding energy policy and sanctions enforcement in response to Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader stressed that such a move would undermine efforts to pressure Moscow economically and would effectively signal a rollback of sanctions previously imposed.