Subscribe to our social channels to get the latest news about Hungary!
ZH
IT
DE
Zelensky says he wouldn’t repair the Druzhba pipeline, Hungary says it’s in better shape than ever
Tensions between the Hungarian government and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky have escalated following conflicting statements about the condition and possible restart of the Druzhba oil pipeline, a key route for transporting Russian crude oil to Central Europe.
Another clash over the future of the Druzhba pipeline
Speaking at a government briefing, Gergely Gulyás, head of the Hungarian Prime Minister’s Office, said the pipeline had not been destroyed and is in fact in excellent condition.
“The Druzhba oil pipeline is not only intact, it is in better condition than ever,” he said.
According to Gulyás, the issue of restarting oil deliveries is not primarily diplomatic. He noted that Hungary maintains formal diplomatic ties with Ukraine, pointing out that the country still has an embassy in Budapest.
In case you missed it: PM Orbán accuses Ukraine of “oil blockade” as Middle East tensions and V4 rifts deepen Hungary’s energy fears, and he even promised to present “evidence” regarding the condition of the Druzhba pipeline on Monday.
Hungary points to alternative routes and reserves
Hungarian officials say the country’s energy supply remains secure even if shipments through Druzhba do not resume immediately. Gulyás explained that Hungary currently has oil reserves sufficient for around 96 days. Combined with additional supply capacity through the Adria pipeline, he said the country could maintain energy security for a much longer period.
“In practical terms, we should think in terms of half a year or even longer,” he said. However, Gulyás criticised statements from the Croatian government regarding the Adria route, claiming their communication about the pipeline’s capacity has been inconsistent.
Have you heard? Viktor Orbán claims Ukrainians are willing to do anything to disrupt Hungary.
Zelensky questions repairing the pipeline
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a very different view on the issue. Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Zelensky said Ukraine could technically repair the pipeline within one to one and a half months. However, he admitted that he personally would not prioritise doing so, as reported by Telex.
I’ll be honest: I would not repair it. That is my position.
He said earlier, arguing that the pipeline primarily transports Russian oil while Ukraine is at war with Russia. Zelensky also noted that Ukraine faces pressure over the issue, as the European Union is reportedly withholding around EUR 90 billion in loans until oil deliveries resume through the pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia.
In case you missed: Hungarian MOL searches for alternatives after halt of Russian crude deliveries: Adria capacity tests may start soon.
A dispute shaped by politics and war
The disagreement highlights the increasingly complex intersection of energy policy and geopolitics in Central Europe. Hungarian officials argue that the pipeline could operate normally and accuse Kyiv of using the situation as political leverage. Ukrainian leaders, however, say the circumstances of the war and security concerns make the issue far more complicated.
Featured image from Wikimedia Commons.
Ukraine will not be forced to facilitate invader Russia’s oil sales which fund Russia’s barbaric attacks on Ukrainians. Hungary must obtain alternative supplies. Fidesz put it off for four years and instead did the reverse by increasing Russian oil imports which fund Russia’s war. This is about Ukrainian sovereignty not Hungary’s.
Did you not realize until now, that the Evil Russians supplied the oil to Hungary they knew would be refined to diezel, and would fuel the Ukrainian tanks?
Or that Ukraine cut the gas pipeline, not Russia, from which everyone knew Ukraine stole?
I mean, I am fine with you getting blinded by hatred, but realize: that makes your statements simply comical.
Mark I take it that your blather of a post was aimed at me. It’s simple logic. Assisting the enemy that you are at war with is not something anyone does. It doesn’t matter what this traitor Fidesz government tries to say. It is not in Ukraine’s interest to assist Russia. Do you comprehend?