The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the arrival of a group of Hungarian citizens who entered the country under standard regulations applicable to all Schengen Zone nationals. Spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy stated this on March 11 during a press briefing.
Tikhiy clarified that individuals traveling for tourism can enter Ukraine from Schengen countries without any special designation. He emphasized that this group does not hold any official status or planned meetings, making it inaccurate to label them as a “delegation.” He noted that visitors from other nations who respect Ukraine and adhere to general entry rules are welcome.
Earlier on the same day, Hungary’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Gabor Chepek, announced that a delegation from Hungary had traveled to Ukraine to discuss the resumption of operations for the Druzhba oil pipeline and to assess its condition. Chepek indicated that the mission’s purpose is to firmly represent Hungarian interests in negotiations and to facilitate the reopening of the Druzhba pipeline.
The Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukraine, is crucial for transporting Russian oil to Europe, including Hungary and Slovakia. Following the onset of the full-scale invasion, the European Union imposed a ban on purchasing Russian oil. However, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria received a grace period due to their landlocked status, which limits their ability to receive oil via tanker and makes them reliant on the Druzhba pipeline. Austria has managed to diversify its oil supply sources.
In late January, Ukrainian officials reported that the pipeline had been damaged due to Russian shelling, a claim that Hungarian and Slovak officials have denied. Hungary recently stated that newly released satellite data indicate no technical or operational issues preventing the immediate restoration of the pipeline’s normal operations.
Slovakia and Hungary are currently blocking the approval of the 20th sanctions package against Russia and the allocation of a multi-billion euro loan to Ukraine, which EU leaders agreed upon during a summit in December. Both countries have pledged to maintain their veto until the transportation of Russian crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline is reinstated.
A group of Hungarian citizens has entered Ukraine, prompting discussions about the Druzhba oil pipeline. While the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry clarified their status, Hungary seeks to negotiate the pipeline's operations amidst ongoing sanctions debates.