In a recent declaration, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that Hungary plans to employ a combination of political and economic leverage to persuade Ukraine to resume operations of the crucial Druzhba pipeline, which is vital for the transit of Russian oil to Hungary. This assertion comes in the wake of halted oil flows through the pipeline since late January, a suspension attributed to significant damage from a fire caused by a Russian attack, as reported by Kyiv.

Both Hungary and Slovakia, the only countries in the European Union still importing Russian oil, have accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying the resumption of oil flows for political purposes, insisting that it is a tactic influenced by the ongoing conflict and geopolitical tensions. In response, Ukrainian officials contend that the pipeline's damages render a swift repair impossible, complicating the demands made by Hungary and Slovakia.

Orban's strong comments, made during a business conference, suggest a willingness to engage in coercive methods, although he clarified that military intervention is not a feasible option. His remarks underscore the growing tensions surrounding energy supplies in the context of the Ukrainian conflict, highlighting the intersecting issues of political strategy and economic dependency within Europe’s energy landscape.