What does Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban demand?
Hungary is cutting off gas supplies to Ukraine until the “Druzhba” oil pipeline is restored.
As reported by RBK-Ukraine, this was announced by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on social media.
Read also: Came up with it himself – scared his family: Orban complained about “threats” from Ukrainians
What did Orban say
“As long as Ukraine does not supply oil, they will not receive gas from Hungary. We will protect Hungary’s energy security, maintain protected gasoline prices, and keep gas prices low!” – said the Hungarian Prime Minister.
According to the Prime Minister, the remaining gas will be stored in domestic reserves.
Orban also added that he would present an important proposal at the government meeting.
“As long as we have successfully defended against Ukrainian blackmail, thanks to protected prices, Hungarians pay the lowest prices at gas stations in all of Europe,” – he stated.
Orban mentioned that Hungary needs to stock up on gas. That is why the country is filling its gas reserves instead of Ukraine’s.
“Since Ukraine is also attacking the southern gas pipeline that supplies Hungary, we need to stock up,” – said the Hungarian Prime Minister.
What is “Druzhba” and why has it stopped
“Druzhba” is one of the largest oil pipelines on the continent. It runs through Ukrainian territory and supplies oil to several EU countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
The pipeline has been damaged by Russian airstrikes. According to President Zelensky, technical repairs may take up to two months.
At the same time, he emphasized that he opposes the restoration of Russian oil transit specifically.
“If we decide to restore Russian oil, I want them to know that I am against it,” – said Zelensky.
At the same time, as president, he is not blocking the repair of the pipeline.
Orban against supporting Ukraine in the EU
“Hungary’s position is very simple. We are ready to support Ukraine when we receive our oil that is blocked by them.” This was stated by the Hungarian Prime Minister on March 19, ahead of the European Council meeting.
“We are waiting for the oil. Everything else is just a fairy tale. Therefore, we believe only in facts,” – he said.
This was regarding a €90 billion loan for Ukraine. However, at the EU summit, they were unable to convince Orban.
Four diplomats and officials, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the discussion lasted an hour and a half – but the parties did not reach a common decision.
