Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has reiterated his stance on blocking EU aid to Kyiv, linking it to the uninterrupted flow of oil through the Druzhba pipeline from Russia to Hungary. The current halt in oil supplies has been attributed to alleged damage from Russian attacks, although the Hungarian government disputes this narrative, claiming the pipeline remains intact. Despite these claims, Kyiv asserts that it is blocking the supplies, affecting Hungary's energy security and creating a tense political environment.

In a letter, Orban criticized the EU's approach, calling it "absurd" that the Union would provide financial support to Ukraine while neglecting Hungary’s energy crisis caused by the situation. He highlighted the contradiction in expecting Hungary to comply with EU directives without addressing the gravity of the energy situation stemming from the conflict in Ukraine. This friction not only underscores Hungary's reliance on Russian energy but also its complex position within EU politics, where it has often aligned itself with Moscow amid broader European sanctions against Russia.

Orban's longstanding ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin have influenced his government’s policies since the onset of the Russian war in Ukraine, as he has sought to impede EU sanctions against Russia while stalling aid directed to Kyiv. This political maneuvering reflects Hungary's precarious balance between fulfilling EU obligations and safeguarding its national interests, raising questions about the future of EU solidarity in the context of energy dependence and geopolitical conflicts.