Hungary has threatened to block €90 billion in war loans to Ukraine in response to the closure of the Druzhba oil pipeline following damage from a Russian attack.
Ukrainian officials have indicated that the Druzhba oil pipeline, which runs from Russia through Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary, was closed after sustaining damage in a Russian attack in January. This closure has caused significant tension among European leaders, specifically aggravating Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who are viewed as close allies of Russia within the European context. The dispute centers around Hungary's response to Ukraine's actions regarding the oil supply, which Hungary perceives as a political maneuver against it.
In a fiery post on social media, Orbán declared that Hungary would block a €90 billion loan for Ukraine until the Druzhba pipeline is reopened, stating, "We will not be pushed around!" This declaration from Hungary underscores the fragile state of relations between Ukraine and some Central European countries, particularly those that have close ties to Russia. The Slovak Minister of Economy, Denisa Sakova, noted that Ukraine has postponed the restoration of oil supplies until late February, adding more pressure to an already tense situation.
Fico's announcement of a state of emergency regarding the oil supply highlights the urgency with which Slovakia is approaching this matter. He warned of retaliatory measures against Ukraine if the pipeline is not reopened, framing the issue as one of national security and energy supply. Both leaders have accused Ukraine of engaging in political "blackmail," coinciding with Hungary's ongoing resistance to Ukraine's aspirations for European Union membership, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions in the region over energy security and political alliances.
