Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially refuted allegations made by Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto that a promise was extended to resume operations of the Druzhba oil pipeline in exchange for financial and military assistance. Szijjarto had stated in a Facebook video that Ukrainian officials had indicated in discussions with Hungary's diplomat in Kyiv that they were seeking a deal involving weapons and money to facilitate the resumption of oil transport.

The comments from Hungary came against the backdrop of a larger political context where Hungary has been delaying the approval of a €90 billion loan from the European Union intended for Ukraine. Many observers link Budapest's stance to its diplomatic relations with Kyiv, with some suggesting that Hungary might be leveraging its position to extract concessions from Ukraine amid ongoing regional tensions. Szijjarto's remarks were met with skepticism from Ukrainian officials, who argue that there are no technical barriers preventing the resumption of oil supplies, emphasizing that Szijjarto's interpretation of the talks is inaccurate.

This dispute over the Druzhba pipeline reflects broader geopolitical dynamics as Ukraine navigates its relationships with neighboring countries amidst the ongoing conflict. The pipeline is crucial for oil transport from Russia to Central Europe, and any disruptions have significant implications for energy security in the region. Ukraine's denial of Szijjarto's claims may serve to clarify its negotiating position while also signaling its resistance against any attempts to politicize energy supplies, particularly in the current climate of conflict with Russia.