Photo: EPA
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said relations with Ukraine could normalize once oil supplies through the Druzhba oil pipeline are restored.
According to him, the Hungarian government has already taken the necessary steps to protect the country’s energy security despite the halt in oil deliveries via Druzhba. At the same time, Budapest confirmed several countermeasures against Ukraine that will remain in place until the pipeline resumes operations.
Orbán said Hungary has decided to block:
- a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine,
- diesel supplies,
- approval of the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia.
At the same time, he noted that Hungary intends to act cautiously regarding energy exports that Ukraine depends on, referring to ethnic Hungarians living in Ukraine.
Earlier, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Budapest would not cut electricity supplies to Ukraine.
Orbán added that “normal relations will be restored” once oil transit resumes.
The issue is unfolding amid Hungary’s election campaign. Orbán could face a serious challenge in April from opposition politician Péter Magyar and his party Tisza, which polls suggest currently holds about a 10-point lead over Orbán’s ruling party Fidesz.
