politics
March 12, 2026
IN BRIEF: Further developments around Druzhba pipeline
Hungarian Deputy Energy Minister Gabor Czepek said that a Hungarian commission to assess the condition of the Druzhba oil pipeline has traveled to Ukraine for dialogue with the country's authorities on the resumption of Russian oil transit
TL;DR
- A Hungarian commission visited Ukraine to discuss the Druzhba oil pipeline and Russian oil transit.
- Ukraine refused the Hungarian commission access to the pipeline, citing its lack of official status.
- Hungary claims Ukraine is blocking oil transit for political reasons to undermine the government before elections.
- The European Commission is exploring options to resume oil supplies and may provide financial aid for pipeline restoration.
- Hungary is blocking a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine until oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline resume.
- Hungary's international spokesperson stated that Hungarian intelligence has information about Ukraine funding the opposition party Tisza.
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes Ukraine's actions are politically motivated to aid the opposition.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky threatened Orban with direct calls from Ukrainian troops if aid is blocked.
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