Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced plans to obstruct European financial assistance to Ukraine until the country resumes operations of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which facilitates the transport of Russian oil to Hungary.
In a recent address on the government-controlled Kossuth radio, Orban stated, “We will never support any financial aid that Brussels may provide to Ukraine until the Ukrainians allow the oil to flow.” His comments come amid discussions regarding a potential €90 billion support package for Ukraine over the next two years.
Orban further indicated that even if the pipeline were to be restored, there would be no guarantees regarding Hungary’s approval of the financial aid. He remarked, “No one, not even the Germans, can demand a positive response from us. We will vote in the EU as our interests dictate.”
The Prime Minister asserted that the Druzhba pipeline does not face technical issues, claiming that its suspension is politically motivated. He accused Ukraine of intentionally cutting Hungary off from the Russian oil that he believes rightfully belongs to the country.
Additionally, Orban expressed his intent to disregard the EU-wide embargo on Russian energy supplies, stating, “It must be made clear that we will not comply with Ukraine’s demand to abandon cheap Russian energy.”
Background:
- Previously, Orban threatened to restore oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline by force, though he did not elaborate on the specifics of this statement.
- On the same day, Hungarian authorities seized Ukrainian bank vehicles, which Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled as “hostage-taking and state terrorism.”
- On March 5, President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the timeline for the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline, suggesting that Hungary may face a prolonged wait.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has threatened to block EU financial support for Ukraine until the Druzhba oil pipeline is operational again. His statements reflect ongoing tensions regarding energy supplies and political decisions affecting Hungary's access to Russian oil.