Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has sharply escalated his rhetoric towards Ukraine concerning the Druzhba pipeline, which is crucial for energy supplies. In a recent letter to European Council President Antonio Costa, he requested the establishment of a team of experts to investigate damages to the pipeline. Hungary's dependence on Russian natural gas underscores the urgency of this request, as disruptions to the pipeline affect the country's energy security. Orban's letter specifies that he would like the expert team to include representatives from both Hungary and Slovakia, highlighting Slovakia's ongoing challenges related to oil transport disruptions through the same pipeline.

In his correspondence, Orban emphasized that his initiative aims to "facilitate a timely resolution of this issue," which has significant implications for the disbursement of the EU's €90 billion loan to Ukraine and the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. Notably, this indicates the intertwining of energy politics with broader financial aid and sanctions strategies within the EU. The Hungarian Prime Minister reassured Costa that Hungary would accept the findings of any such mission, regardless of the outcomes, showcasing a willingness to cooperate while asserting Hungary's interests.

This request also comes amid ongoing tensions related to the war in Ukraine and the EU's response to Russia's aggression. Orban's increasingly assertive stance risks further complicating Hungary's relations with Ukraine and other EU member states, particularly those more aligned with Ukraine in the conflict. As Hungary navigates its role in this complex geopolitical landscape, the outcome of this initiative could influence both regional energy dynamics and Hungary's diplomatic relations within the EU.