Hungary
President Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's technical readiness to open all six negotiation clusters for EU accession. He emphasized that the political readiness of some EU leaders remains questionable due to the aggressor's influence.
President Zelenskyy stated that the war in Iran has not yet affected arms supplies to Ukraine, but risks will increase with prolonged hostilities. Ukraine is working to unblock funding and strengthen its own production.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban escalated the conflict with Ukraine ahead of the elections to boost his ratings. He called the suspension of oil transit an attack on the country.
Ukraine is assessing significant damage after Russian drone attacks on a key facility of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which could complicate the issue of EU aid to Kyiv and sanctions against Moscow. Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of withholding supplies, blocking EU aid.
Slovak President Robert Fico agreed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal to hold talks on all aspects of Ukrainian-Slovak cooperation. This happened after discussing problems with oil transit through Ukraine.
Before being damaged by a Russian strike, Ukrainian and Russian oil was transported via the Druzhba pipeline. The halt in supplies deprives Ukraine of export revenues and funding.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico discussed the transit of oil through the "Druzhba" pipeline with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He proposes creating a joint inspection group to verify its functioning, as Slovakia and Hungary cannot receive paid oil.
The President of Ukraine is speaking with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and inviting him to Ukraine. Earlier, Fico and Orbán agreed to establish a commission on the "Druzhba" oil pipeline.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico have agreed to establish an investigative commission regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline. Orbán called on President Zelenskyy to grant access to it.
The Russian state corporation "Rosatom" announced that it will continue to implement foreign projects for the construction of nuclear power plants, despite new British sanctions against its subsidiaries. The company considers the restrictions illegitimate and emphasizes its role in peaceful nuclear energy.
The Hungarian prime minister called for the creation of a special "mission" to include representatives not only from Hungary but also from Slovakia, as these countries depend on Russian energy carriers.
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.