Orbán Links Support for Ukraine to Resumption of Russian Oil Pipeline

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated on Thursday, March 19, that Hungary will not support any European Union decisions benefiting Ukraine until the Druzhba oil pipeline resumes transporting Russian oil.

According to “European Truth,” Orbán said, “Hungary’s position is particularly simple. We are ready to support Ukraine when we receive our oil, which they (Ukraine – ed.) have blocked.”

He emphasized that no decisions favorable to Ukraine will be supported before the resumption of oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline, stating, “We are waiting for oil. Everything else is just a fairy tale. We believe only in facts. Oil must head to Hungary… Until then, we cannot support a single pro-Ukrainian proposal.”

Background

Orbán previously maintained that Budapest’s approval of a 90 billion euro aid package for Ukraine is contingent upon the restoration of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly assured EU leaders in a letter that transit through the Druzhba oil pipeline could be restored within approximately a month and a half.

EU experts had sought access to the site of the Druzhba pipeline’s damage in Ukraine to assess the necessary repairs, but Ukraine has yet to grant permission due to security concerns.