During a briefing on March 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a clear statement regarding the 'Druzba' oil pipeline, asserting that he would not support its renewal. He emphasized that this stance was consistent with his messaging to European leaders and the European Union, stressing the significance of the pipeline being associated with Russian oil, which Ukraine opposes due to the ongoing war. This is a continuation of Ukraine's strategic position against Russian energy supplies amidst crippling attacks on its infrastructure.

The context for Zelensky's remarks lies in the recent cessation of oil supplies through the 'Druzba' pipeline, which Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha had announced on February 12, attributing the stoppage to an attack that resulted in a major fire and severe damage to the pipeline's infrastructure. However, Hungary and Slovakia have contested these claims, alleging that Ukraine halted the Russian oil supply for political reasons, complicating the narrative surrounding energy supplies in the region.

Adding to the tension, Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto declared on February 18 that the country halted diesel supplies to Ukraine until the oil supply via the 'Druzba' pipeline was reinstated. This decision mirrors that of the Slovak government and indicates the fragile interplay of energy politics and regional alliances in the context of the ongoing conflict, highlighting the broader implications for energy security and diplomatic relations in the area.