Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent an open letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the letter, Orban accuses Ukraine of blocking the Druzhba oil pipeline and demands its immediate restoration.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has intensified his anti-Ukrainian campaign ahead of elections, blocking EU aid packages to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. This comes as his party trails by 20 points in the polls.
President Zelenskyy met with U4U MEPs. They discussed the restoration of Ukraine's energy system and the scaling up of the PURL program.
The European Commission is discussing with the European Parliament and member states options to secure a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine. This is happening against the backdrop of Budapest's blockade, despite prior agreement, confirmed European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho.
Hungary is strengthening the protection of its energy infrastructure and deploying troops near key facilities. This decision was made after the halt of oil supplies via the "Druzhba" pipeline on January 27.
A Median poll showed that Hungary's opposition Tisza party leads the pro-government Fidesz by 20 percentage points among decided voters. Tisza has 55% support against Fidesz's 35%.
President Zelenskyy positively assessed the signing of the EU loan for Ukraine of 90 billion euros by the President of the European Parliament, calling it a "significant guarantee. " He emphasized the importance of this decision coming into effect for Ukraine "as soon as possible and as effectively as possible."
Russian oil monopolist "Transneft" reduced crude oil intake by 250 thousand barrels per day after drone attacks on the "Kaleykino" pumping station in Tatarstan. This threatens the stability of export supplies via the "Druzhba" oil pipeline and affects the Russian budget's revenues.
During the repair period of 'Druzhba', oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary will be carried out via an alternative route through Croatia.
The European Commission plans to submit a legal proposal for a permanent ban on Russian oil imports on April 15. This will happen after the parliamentary elections in Hungary, so as not to influence the election campaign.
Ukraine is ready to constructively resolve the dispute over the 'Druzhba' oil pipeline and has proposed realistic solutions, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. This comes amid Hungary's blocking of an EU loan for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, stated that the strike on the Druzhba oil pipeline was a deliberate act of sabotage by Russia against Hungary and Slovakia. These countries have not condemned Russia's actions, which uses energy dependence as a weapon.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to implement the EU agreement on providing Ukraine with a €90 billion loan. Hungary is blocking this loan and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
The European Union is negotiating with Hungary and Slovakia to unblock the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas noted that diplomatic work continues despite the difficulties.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the EU supports Ukraine, not its own member states. Hungary threatens to block new sanctions against Russia and 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine.
Budapest justified its decision to block the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine. This caused disappointment among EU foreign ministers.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungary's and Slovakia's ultimatums should be addressed to the Kremlin. He emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia and the importance of investing in Ukraine's defense industry.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported stable gas and electricity imports. The government is mobilizing all resources and providing targeted assistance to the population.
Hungary threatens to block the EU's support package for Ukraine, including a €90 billion loan, due to disputes over energy supplies. This could leave Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa without EU solutions for Ukraine during their visit on the anniversary of the war.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced discussions on the 20th sanctions package, but no progress is expected. Hungary is blocking it due to oil transit.
The European Union is urging the US to adhere to trade agreements following a court decision that blocked some of Trump's tariffs. The European Commission is demanding clarity on future policy due to concerns about tariff increases.
Hungary does not plan to stop electricity exports to Ukraine due to possible negative consequences for the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia. Halting supplies would hit border regions, said Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
Hungary will block the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, demanding that Ukraine restore oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemned the ultimatums from Hungary and Slovakia regarding energy supply, calling them playing along with the aggressor. Ukraine is considering activating the "Early Warning Mechanism" due to threats from Budapest and Bratislava.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on Hungary's blocking of European aid to Ukraine. He noted that this benefits certain forces, including those from Russia.
A parliamentary election campaign has begun in Hungary, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and opposition politician Péter Magyar vying for the position of head of government. Polls show close results between the ruling Fidesz party and the opposition Tisza party.
Hungary has confirmed blocking a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, demanding the restoration of oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. Slovakia also refused to participate in a military loan for Ukraine, accusing it of politically delaying the resumption of supplies.
The European Commission has been urged to intervene in the conflict between Ukraine and Hungary over a blocked Russian oil pipeline, which is hindering the provision of an emergency EU loan to Ukraine. Hungary blocked the 90 billion euro loan after the Druzhba oil pipeline was damaged by Russian attacks.
MOL Group calls on Croatia to allow the transit of Russian oil, as Hungary and Slovakia have exemptions from EU sanctions. Supply problems have escalated after the Druzhba oil pipeline was shut down through Ukrainian territory.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban published a campaign video before the elections, featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Orban made accusations.
