Orbán Links Oil Supply to EU Funds, Accuses Ukraine of Blocking Pipeline Access

Budapest, Hungary – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated on Tuesday that Hungary will not alter its stance on financial decisions unless oil supplies are restored via the Druzhba pipeline. Orbán leveled accusations against Ukraine, claiming they are obstructing the flow of Russian oil and attempting to influence Hungarian elections.

The statement, released via a video posted on Orbán’s Facebook page, comes as the European Union considers further financial aid to Ukraine. According to “European Truth,” Ukraine has accepted an EU proposal to secure resources and expertise to restart oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline.

Discussions with EU Leaders

Orbán indicated he discussed the matter with European Council President António Costa and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. “If there is no oil, there is no money. I said that Hungary’s position remains unchanged,” he asserted.

Accusations Against Ukraine

The Hungarian Prime Minister accused Ukraine of rejecting Hungarian “experts” sent to inspect the condition of the Druzhba pipeline. “They do not agree and even openly declare that they do not intend to transfer cheap Russian oil to Hungary,” Orbán complained.

Allegations of Election Interference

Orbán further claimed this “oil blockade” is a deliberate attempt to interfere in the upcoming Hungarian elections, favoring the opposition Tisza party.

Background

In a letter to EU leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pledged to resume transit via the Druzhba oil pipeline within approximately a month and a half. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó previously announced that Hungary would continue to block the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia and a €90 billion loan for Ukraine until Kyiv resumes transit through the Druzhba pipeline.