Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent an open letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demanding the immediate resumption of the Druzhba oil pipeline, accusing Kyiv of blocking it and interfering in Hungarian elections. Orban stated Hungary does not wish to finance the war or pay high energy prices.
Key points
- Orban claims Zelensky has spent four years trying to draw Hungary into the war between Russia and Ukraine.
- The Hungarian PM alleges coordination between Ukraine, Brussels, and the Hungarian opposition to install a pro-Ukrainian government in Hungary.
- The Druzhba pipeline is critical for the energy supply of Hungary and Slovakia.
- The EU is reportedly seeking a political solution, possibly promising Orban the resumption of Russian oil supplies via Druzhba to secure his election victory.
- Orban is also blocking the EU's €90 billion loan package for Ukraine and the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions.
Why it matters
The dispute over the Druzhba pipeline and EU aid highlights significant friction between Hungary and Ukraine/EU, potentially impacting crucial financial support for Ukraine ahead of Hungarian elections.
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