Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has issued a threat to use his veto against the European Union's proposed multi-billion euro loan to Ukraine, demanding the reopening of the Druzjba oil pipeline that has been shut down. The Druzjba pipeline, which transports oil from Russia through Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary, was reportedly damaged due to a Russian attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Orbán's ultimatum highlights the interconnectedness of energy politics and financial aid, indicating that Hungary is leveraging its political influence amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Orbán made it clear that Hungary would not support the EU loan of 90 billion euros to Ukraine as long as the Druzjba pipeline remains blocked. The pipeline's closure has been a significant issue, as it impacts energy supplies, a vital concern for both Hungary and Slovakia. Earlier this week, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico also threatened to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if the oil line was not reopened, further emphasizing regional tensions surrounding energy dependencies in light of the ongoing war.

Complicating matters, Slovakia's Minister of Economy Denisa Saková mentioned that the reopening of the pipeline has been postponed to February 24, which adds urgency to the situation. As Hungary and Slovakia assert pressure on Ukraine over energy policy, the implications of such threats extend beyond immediate political confrontations, reflecting deeper divisions within the EU and the precarious balance of power in Eastern Europe during times of conflict.