Péter Mádyar, the future Prime Minister of Hungary, has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to restore the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, contingent on its operational status. Mádyar emphasized that Budapest will not make concessions regarding this matter.
In a recent press interaction, the leader of the ‘Tisza’ party called on Zelensky to “fulfill his promise” and recommence the pipeline’s operations, suggesting that this could occur in the coming days.
Mádyar also cautioned Zelensky against what he termed as “blackmail” concerning the unblocking of the oil pipeline. He stated, “We will not make any concessions, and I would advise against this approach. It will not be well received in Hungary or Europe; European leaders will not accept attempts to renegotiate established agreements or to apply pressure on them.”
He likened Zelensky’s actions to a demanding guest at a dinner, stating, “It would be as if someone were invited to dinner and then began to blackmail: if there is no lecho or if it is not cooked at medium heat, then I will do this or that. In my view, this is an inappropriate attitude, and I would advise against it.”
Current Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had previously indicated that Ukraine expressed readiness to resume oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline on Monday, provided that Budapest unblocks a €90 billion EU loan. Orbán reiterated his stance that he would only unblock the loan after the resumption of Russian oil supplies through the pipeline.
According to reports, EU ambassadors are expected to finalize the approval of the €90 billion loan for Ukraine on April 22. Mádyar clarified that he would not obstruct the EU loan for Ukraine, as the decision has already been made, but confirmed that Budapest would not participate in it.
Péter Mádyar, Hungary's future Prime Minister, has called for the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline while rejecting any concessions. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, which Hungary has stated it will not block.
Source: Європейська правда