Oil Supply to Hungary Halted
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has attributed the halt of oil supplies to Hungary via the 'Druzhba' pipeline to a Russian attack and called on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to negotiate directly with Russia. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine possesses satellite imagery confirming the Russian strike on the pipeline.
Zelenskyy asserted that
the pipeline was destroyed by Russia.He emphasized that if Orban wishes to block financial aid for Ukraine, such a decision amounts to supporting Russia.
We are not the cause of this pipeline's destruction, the president added.
Views on Energy Security
Furthermore, Zelenskyy suggested that Orban should speak with Putin, 'perhaps about an energy ceasefire or something similar.' He also pointed to Russia's methods of targeting critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, which result in civilian casualties.
Amid these developments, Hungary has vetoed an EU loan package for Ukraine. In turn, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU cannot provide Ukraine with a specific accession date, despite acknowledging Ukraine's significant progress on reforms.
This situation underscores the growing tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, which could have serious implications for regional cooperation during the war with Russia. Hungary's veto highlights the complex political dynamics within the EU and Russia's influence on European energy security. Concerns over attacks on critical infrastructure threaten stability not only in Ukraine but across the region, potentially requiring a collective security response.