Hungary and Slovakia have revised their positions regarding a proposed €90 billion loan to Ukraine and a new package of sanctions against Russia. Both Budapest and Bratislava have indicated their support for these initiatives.
According to Hungarian government spokesperson Mácinka, the resumption of operations on the Druzhba oil pipeline has facilitated this change. He noted that Hungary and Slovakia would not block the loan for Ukraine and would back the sanctions against Russia.
“Both Hungary and Slovakia expressed their support today. I assume that if the Ukrainian president stated that the oil pipeline has the right to operate, then I believe this situation can be resolved very soon,” Mácinka remarked.
Mácinka further indicated that the formation of a new government in Budapest presents an opportunity to unblock negotiations with Ukraine regarding its European Union membership. He suggested that the new Hungarian administration might adopt a more conciliatory and open approach.
“However, we will see, as I think Hungary’s position will change somewhat after the elections, but perhaps not to the extent that some people would like,” he added.
Additionally, the Czech Foreign Minister noted that progress is expected regarding a new, twentieth package of sanctions against Russia. This development is also contingent on the restoration of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.
“The essence is that there are two countries that condition their agreement on the resumption of oil supplies. If this is resolved, I assume that the issue regarding the sanctions package will also move forward,” he concluded.
Hungary and Slovakia have expressed support for a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia, contingent on the operational status of the Druzhba oil pipeline. The recent political changes in Hungary may lead to a more cooperative stance towards Ukraine's EU membership aspirations.