Overview
- Naftogaz and Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry briefed diplomats from 31 countries with photos and technical assessments, saying restoration requires time, specialized equipment and work under ongoing strike risk.
- Hungary’s inspection team left Kyiv claiming “results” despite being denied access to the pipeline, with Viktor Orbán saying the visit prodded Ukraine into action.
- Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Brussels that Hungary will block a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine and the EU’s 20th Russia sanctions package until oil transit resumes, asserting the line is ready.
- Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called linking EU financing to pipeline flows unacceptable and urged partners to proceed with the sanctions package and loan.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy labeled the pressure to reopen the route “blackmail,” arguing that restoring flows would effectively ease sanctions on Russia, as the pipeline through Ukraine remains offline.