The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, announced that Budapest will halt the transit of essential supplies to Ukraine until the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline is restored.
Orban reiterated his opposition to Ukraine’s European integration, stating, “We will not give money to Ukrainians, which they successfully demand from other EU countries; we will not pay and will not allow Ukraine into the EU.”
He expressed concerns that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union poses risks not only to Hungarian farmers but also to the national economy.
Orban emphasized, “We should not hypocritically accept Ukraine’s demands, even if they threaten us with more serious consequences.”
Previously, Hungary blocked a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine, demanding the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. Budapest stated it would lift the veto only after supplies are restored, citing violations of the Association Agreement.
Western media reports indicate that Ukraine could face a funding shortfall as early as spring due to this situation.
In response, EU leaders plan to call for increased engagement with third countries to address a €30 billion gap.
Yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that he would provide Orban’s address to Ukrainian soldiers if Budapest continued to block the €90 billion loan.
Orban interpreted this statement as a threat not just to him personally, but to Hungary as a whole.
Furthermore, he accused Ukraine of allegedly obstructing oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline and threatened to restore its operation by force.
Orban declared that there would be “no compromises” and expressed his intention to “break the Ukrainian oil blockade by force.”
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced a suspension of vital supplies to Ukraine, demanding the restoration of the Druzhba oil pipeline. This move comes amid ongoing tensions regarding Ukraine's EU integration and financial support.