Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is making significant progress in repairing the damaged Druzhba pipeline and that the work will be completed by spring.

Hungary and Slovakia have been cut off from Russian oil via Druzhba since late January, after a Russian drone strike damaged the pipeline in western Ukraine. Both countries, which maintain close political and energy ties with Russia, accuse Ukraine of delaying the repairs.

"We will finish the repairs as agreed. I told them we will finish this spring", Zelensky told reporters. "A lot of work has already been done there. Naturally, the destroyed reservoirs cannot be repaired that quickly."

The dispute over the pipeline has resulted in Hungary blocking a 90 billion euro EU loan for Ukraine while oil transit through Druzhba remains suspended. Parliamentary elections are scheduled in Hungary on Sunday, and polls show Orban trailing behind the Tisza party.