Following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has underscored the significance of securing Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. His comments came on the same day that hostilities escalated between the United States and Iran.
Orbán stated, “The war involving Iran has doubled the importance of the Druzhba pipeline. I once again urge President Zelensky to immediately restore oil supplies to Hungary.” This statement reflects Hungary’s ongoing reliance on Russian energy sources amid geopolitical tensions.
Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of halting oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline for political reasons. The pipeline has faced disruptions due to damage sustained during Russian shelling in late January. In response, both countries have proposed the establishment of an investigative commission to assess the pipeline’s condition and have requested access to the damage sites.
During a conversation with Zelensky on February 27, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico claimed that Ukraine is unwilling to resume operations of the Druzhba pipeline and allegedly refused to allow the commission to enter the affected areas. Orbán has since sent a letter to the Ukrainian president demanding greater respect for Hungary.
In addition to these developments, Orbán has raised concerns over a purported “Ukrainian threat” to Hungary’s energy infrastructure and announced plans to deploy military forces to protect these critical assets.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has reiterated the importance of the Druzhba pipeline for Russian oil supply in light of recent conflicts in the Middle East. His comments highlight ongoing tensions with Ukraine regarding oil supply disruptions and Hungary's strategic energy concerns.