Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has criticized the remarks of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the Druzhba pipeline, perceiving them as a threat. Orban accused Ukraine of blackmail and insisted that Hungary's decision to block Ukraine's eurointegration was justified. Slovakia joined the dispute, with Prime Minister Robert Fico voicing concern over possible attacks on Druzhba, stating that it harmed his nation's interests.
Both countries escalated the situation by filing complaints with the European Commission regarding the pipeline issue. Hungarian officials also highlighted Ukraine's energy dependence, especially on electricity imports from Hungary, for which Ukraine pays a European tariff. However, Hungarian companies cannot restrict supplies unilaterally due to EU energy regulations.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure have reduced Russia's refining capabilities, as reported by Reuters, leading to gasoline shortages in some Russian regions and in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
The expert points out that Hungary's actions are politically motivated. With elections approaching and Orban's party losing popularity, Ukraine is being depicted as an adversary to mobilize voters. Alternative oil supply routes, such as the Adriatic pipeline, have not been considered by Fico or Orban.
In a broader geopolitical context, Chinese and Russian leaders have announced their desire to reshape the world order, seeking alliances with countries dissatisfied with US policy. "China wants to benefit from the end of the Russia-Ukraine war," the expert stresses, underlining the importance of dialogue between Kyiv and its European and American partners.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sebyha emphasized that strikes against Russian oil refineries are part of the plan to achieve peace and end aggression. Ukraine will continue efforts to weaken Russia's economic arteries.
