Hungary Links Ukraine Aid to Druzhba Pipeline Oil Resumption

Hungary's position on the EU's financial support for Ukraine remains clear and consistent: energy security comes first. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has reiterated that Budapest will not stand in the way of approving the much-needed loan package for Kyiv, provided that oil supplies through the vital Druzhba pipeline are restored. This linkage, while perhaps frustrating for some in Brussels, reflects Hungary's national interests and its unique energy dependencies.

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As soon as oil transportation resumes on the Druzhba pipeline, we will no longer hinder the approval of the credit line.

News from Kyiv indicates that repair work on the pipeline, damaged by a Russian attack in late January, has concluded. This interruption had halted the flow of crude oil not only to Hungary but also to Slovakia, underscoring the strategic importance of this infrastructure. The resumption of supplies is the key that unlocks Hungary's support for the EU's financial aid to Ukraine, a pragmatic approach that prioritizes tangible benefits for the Hungarian economy.

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If there is oil, there is money.

As reported by Magyar Nemzet, Orbán's statement, 'As soon as oil transportation resumes on the Druzhba pipeline, we will no longer hinder the approval of the credit line,' encapsulates this policy. This is not about dictating terms to Ukraine or the EU, but about ensuring that Hungary's own energy needs are met. The government's stance, 'if there is oil, there is money,' is a straightforward declaration of priorities. While Western media might frame this as obstructionism, from a Hungarian perspective, it is a responsible act of self-interest, ensuring that vital resources continue to flow before committing to large financial outlays.

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Repairs to the pipeline have been completed.