Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, alleging that his actions are detrimental to Hungary’s interests. In an open letter shared on social media, Orbán called for the resumption of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which he claims is vital for Hungary’s energy supply.
Orbán expressed frustration over what he perceives as Zelensky’s failure to acknowledge Hungary’s sovereignty regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He stated that for four years, Zelensky has attempted to force Hungary into a conflict between Ukraine and Russia, gaining support from Brussels and Hungarian opposition parties in the process.
“For four years, you have been working to compel Hungary into a war between your country and Russia. During this time, you have received support from Brussels and secured backing from the Hungarian opposition,” Orbán wrote.
The Hungarian leader further accused Zelensky, the opposition in Hungary, and Brussels of allegedly coordinating efforts to install a pro-Ukrainian government in Hungary. Orbán claimed that Ukraine has effectively blocked the Druzhba pipeline, which he described as critical for Hungary’s energy security.
“Your actions contradict Hungary’s interests and jeopardize the safe and affordable energy supply for Hungarian families. Therefore, I urge you to change your anti-Hungarian policy! We, the Hungarian people, are not responsible for the situation Ukraine finds itself in. We empathize with the Ukrainian people, but we do not wish to participate in the war,” he emphasized.
He also stated that Budapest does not want to finance military efforts or pay more for energy resources.
“I urge you to immediately reopen the Druzhba pipeline and refrain from any further attacks on Hungary’s energy security. More respect for Hungary!” Orbán concluded.
In a related development, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on Kyiv’s partners to provide military assistance and strengthen sanctions against Moscow, indirectly criticizing the governments of Hungary and Slovakia for blocking such measures, labeling them as “blackmailers.”
“It is unacceptable for certain blackmailers in the EU to not only block decisions necessary for collective defense but also threaten to halt the supply of certain energy resources to Ukraine at a time when our energy system is facing brutal bombardments. This blackmail weakens Europe and plays into Russia’s hands. It must be stopped,” he stated in his social media post.
Background on the Druzhba Pipeline and Hungary’s Concerns
On January 27, a Russian attack in Brody, Lviv region, damaged critical infrastructure linked to the Druzhba pipeline. Naftogaz reported that the Russian military targeted an essential facility in western Ukraine, resulting in a fire and halting operations at the site.
According to the publication enkorr, this facility in Brody is associated with the Druzhba pipeline, which remains operational and is used to transport Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
On February 12, Sybiha announced that the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline was suspended following the January 27 attack. He also indicated that Budapest was preparing to lodge complaints regarding transit issues.
“Hungary has not expressed any protest to Russia regarding this. They couldn’t even utter the word Russia. Double standards at their finest,” Sybiha remarked.
The governments of Hungary and Slovakia announced a halt to diesel exports to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline are restored.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Kyiv informed Budapest about the Russian attack on the Druzhba pipeline and the resulting damages on January 27, asserting that accusations of delays in shipments are illogical.
The European Commission has expressed a desire for Ukraine to resume operations on the Druzhba pipeline, but due to the risk of further Russian attacks, the decision rests with Ukraine.
On February 21, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that Slovakia would cease electricity supplies to Ukraine on February 23 if Ukraine did not restore oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. A similar statement was issued by the Hungarian government.
Ukraine has proposed that the European Union utilize the Odessa-Brody pipeline as an alternative to the damaged Druzhba pipeline for oil supplies to the EU.
On February 23, Fico confirmed that Bratislava had halted electricity supplies to Ukraine due to the cessation of oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
Ukrenergo stated that the potential cessation of emergency electricity supplies from Slovakia would not impact the situation in Ukraine’s unified energy system. However, the company had not received any official documents regarding the termination of the agreement from the Slovak side.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of undermining Hungary's interests amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Orbán's open letter calls for the reopening of the crucial Druzhba oil pipeline, which he claims is essential for Hungary's energy security.