Hungary is poised to finalize a deal with Slovakia to construct a new oil pipeline, as announced by Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. This development comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions with Ukraine and the European Union over Russian oil deliveries, which Ukraine has blocked. The situation began when Ukraine halted operations of the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline citing damage from a Russian drone strike, a claim that Moscow denies. Both Hungary and Slovakia have dismissed Ukraine's narrative, suggesting it is part of a broader campaign of coercion by Kiev.

During his announcement, Szijjarto expressed frustration at the EU's response, particularly criticizing German officials for what he described as