Kyiv has responded sharply to criticism from Budapest regarding the stalled resumption of oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggesting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán address the issue directly with Moscow. The dispute centers on the pipeline’s infrastructure, which sustained damage in January, halting oil transport to Slovakia and Hungary. The situation has escalated tensions, with implications for energy security and financial aid to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s remarks, made during a joint press conference with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, directly challenged the Hungarian government’s assertions that Ukraine is responsible for the pipeline’s inactivity. He argued that Russia is to blame for the damage and suggested Hungary direct concerns about energy network disruptions to the Kremlin. This exchange occurs amidst broader discussions about continued European support for Ukraine, as Hungary has threatened to block a pre-approved EU loan over the pipeline issue.
Pipeline Damage and Blame
According to reports from Telex and 444.hu, the Druzhba pipeline’s infrastructure was damaged on January 27th in what Ukraine attributes to a Russian attack. Zelenskyy stated, “First of all, the pipeline was damaged by Russia. If they want to block financial support, they should block Russia, because the cause of the damage to the pipeline is not Ukraine.” He further emphasized that this isn’t an isolated incident, asserting that Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian infrastructure.
The Ukrainian president indicated his country possesses substantial evidence supporting its claims of Russian responsibility. He questioned the logic of requiring Ukraine to repair damage inflicted by Russia, stating, “It doesn’t make sense that Russia destroys something and Ukraine has to restore it.”
Hungary’s Response and Potential Retaliation
The dispute has led to a new level of friction between Budapest and Kyiv. Hungary initially threatened to halt electricity exports to Ukraine if oil shipments weren’t resumed, but later backed down from that position, as reported by HVG. However, the threat of blocking EU financial aid remains, a move described as a “stick in the spokes” by some observers.
Slovakia reported the pipeline’s shutdown on February 13th. The stoppage potentially impacts approximately 250,000 barrels of oil per day, according to Portfolio.hu. Zelenskyy pointed to the Janaf pipeline in Croatia as a potential alternative route for oil transport.
Repair Challenges and Future Outlook
Ukraine faces ongoing challenges in repairing the damaged pipeline, as repair crews turn into immediate targets of further Russian attacks when approaching the site. Zelenskyy questioned the practicality of reconstruction under such conditions, asking, “Then why should we restore it?”
The situation highlights the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure during the ongoing conflict and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. The resolution of this dispute will likely require direct engagement between Russia and Hungary, as suggested by Zelenskyy and continued diplomatic efforts to ensure energy security in the region. The next steps will involve assessing the extent of the damage and determining a viable path for repairs, while navigating the political pressures surrounding financial aid and energy supplies.
What comes next will depend on whether Hungary pursues direct talks with Russia regarding the pipeline’s repair and the broader energy situation. Continued scrutiny will be focused on the EU’s response to Hungary’s potential blocking of financial aid to Ukraine. Share your thoughts in the comments below.