Hungary’s modern prime minister Petér Magyar demanded Ukraine open the Druschba oil pipeline on Monday, stating it must function if suitable for transport.
Magyar tied pipeline opening to Russian oil input and rejected Ukrainian conditions
Magyar said Ukraine should open the pipeline if it is fit for oil transport and urged Russia to supply the oil, noting the pipeline cannot function without Russian input. He rejected suggestions that Ukraine might link pipeline reopening to EU loan progress or accession talks, calling such a move unacceptable to Hungary, and Europe. Magyar emphasized that revisiting agreements after the fact contradicts European practice.
Selenskyj announced pipeline repair and linked it to EU support package
On Tuesday, Selenskyj stated on X that Ukraine had completed repairs to the Druschba pipeline damaged by a Russian attack. He connected the repair to the release of a previously approved European support package for Ukraine. Shortly after, Cyprus’s EU presidency announced plans to finalize a 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine on Wednesday.
Orbán had previously conditioned loan support on pipeline resumption
Former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán said on Sunday that Hungary would not block the EU loan once oil deliveries via the pipeline resumed. Orbán had expected deliveries to restart on Monday. The pipeline transports Russian oil to Hungary and other European countries.
Why did Magyar insist Russia must supply the oil?
Magyar stated the Druschba pipeline cannot function without Russian oil input, making Russian participation essential for any restart.
How did Selenskyj link the pipeline repair to EU funding?
Selenskyj wrote that the repair was connected to the release of a European support package already approved by the Europarat.
