On Monday, February 23, during a meeting of the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó said that the Druzhba pipeline had not suffered a single Russian strike, and the cessation of oil supplies to the European Union is “a purely political decision.” He expressed this position at a meeting that took place with the participation of European colleagues.
“The Druzhba pipeline has not suffered a single Russian strike. The pipeline itself was not damaged. And there is no physical reason or obstacle to restoring supply. That’s all. This is purely Ukraine’s political decision. This is pure blackmail against Hungary aimed at changing our position on Ukraine, EU membership, and everything else”
– Peter Szijjártó
Szijjártó also again accused Ukraine of meddling in elections in Hungary, repeating previously voiced theses. He stressed that the events are closely linked to Hungary’s and the EU’s internal politics.
“Of course, they coordinate this with our opposition, as we are in the stage of preparing for elections. Obviously, they coordinate with Brussels, but we are not ready to accept it. So the question – on Ukraine’s side. Ask the Ukrainians when they will resume oil supplies to Hungary. Until this happens, Hungary’s position will not change”
– Andriy Sibiga
Government circles in Hungary and Slovakia also reported the suspension of diesel exports to Ukraine until supplies through Druzhba are restored. At the same time, the European Commission stressed that transit safety remains a priority, but is ready to support steps to restore the pipeline’s operation. Ukraine proposes using alternative routes for oil supplies via Odessa-Brody as a temporary measure until Druzhba’s full operation is restored.
Reaction and Context
The situation remains at the forefront of EU attention: allies are ready to support restoring the pipeline’s operation, but the operational responsibility for restoration decisions should lie with Ukraine, given security risks. At the same time, the situation underscores the delicate balance between the energy needs of countries and the geopolitical tension related to Russia and transit through Central Europe.