The European Commission has urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to dial down inflammatory rhetoric over the Druzhba pipeline, according to the Commission. This appeal comes after Orbán vetoed a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine in response to the halt in oil supplies, according to reports, a move that has heightened diplomatic strains. European Commission deputy chief spokesperson Olof Gill emphasized the need for calm, stating, 'At the moment, there is a lot of escalatory rhetoric and inflammatory rhetoric. We believe that such rhetoric from all sides is neither helpful nor conducive to achieving the common goals that we have.' The Commission is actively working to de-escalate the situation while pursuing common objectives such as pressuring Russia and ensuring energy security for member states.
Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia have been halted for two months after Russian drone attacks damaged the Druzhba pipeline, according to reports, disrupting a critical energy route. Hungary and Slovakia accused Kyiv of deliberately obstructing Russian deliveries, alleging political motives behind the supply stoppage. This accusation has fueled the broader conflict, as the pipeline's operational status remains a point of contention between the involved parties. The halt has significant implications for energy security in Central Europe, with both countries heavily reliant on Russian oil imports through this infrastructure.
At the moment, there is a lot of escalatory rhetoric and inflammatory rhetoric. We believe that such rhetoric from all sides is neither helpful nor conducive to achieving the common goals that we have.
Ukraine has completed repairs on the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline and is preparing to resume flows, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy connected this repair work to the unblocking of the European support package for Ukraine, which had been approved by the European Council. In a social media statement, he noted, 'Ukraine has completed repair work on the section of the Druzhba oil pipeline that was damaged by a Russian strike. The pipeline can resume operation. Although no one can currently guarantee that Russia will not repeat attacks on the pipeline infrastructure, our specialists have ensured the basic conditions for restoring the operation of the pipeline system and equipment. We connect this with the unblocking of the European support package for Ukraine, which had already been approved by the European Council.' Repairing the pipeline was linked to freeing the €90 billion EU loan, which had been blocked by Hungary and Slovakia, according to reports, highlighting the interdependence of energy and financial support in this crisis.
A central disagreement persists over the status of the Druzhba pipeline, with Hungary and Slovakia insisting it is operational and being shut for political reasons, while Ukraine says it remains damaged and cannot resume deliveries. This contradiction is key to the dispute over the EU loan, as Hungary's veto is tied to oil supply issues, affecting Ukraine's financial support and EU energy security. The lack of clarity on pipeline operations complicates resolution efforts, as each side presents conflicting assessments based on their strategic interests. It remains unknown what specific intelligence or evidence Hungary and Slovakia have that the pipeline is operational, adding to the uncertainty in diplomatic negotiations.
We're in active discussions with all sides in this question. Our objective here is to get everyone to calm down a bit, dial down the rhetoric and deliver on the objectives: to take every possible step we can to put pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression, to deliver on the loan for Ukraine (and) to ensure that our member states have energy security. The Commission will continue to work calmly and coherently with all sides to ensure that those objectives are met.
In the last 24 hours, Orbán threatened to use military force to break the Ukrainian oil blockade, according to reports, escalating the confrontation beyond economic measures. Hungary detained a bank cargo heading to Ukraine carrying $40 million, €35 million and 9 kg of gold in reserves, which Kyiv condemned as state terrorism, according to reports, further straining bilateral relations. These actions represent a significant intensification, moving from verbal disputes to tangible economic and military pressures.
Zelenskyy suggested giving Orbán's phone number to Ukrainian soldiers to convince him to lift the veto, which Budapest condemned as a death threat, according to reports, adding a personal dimension to the diplomatic rift. This provocative remark has been widely criticized as inflammatory, exacerbating the already tense situation between the two leaders. The incident highlights the personal animosities that can influence high-stakes international negotiations, potentially hindering compromise. According to the European Commission, such rhetoric is unhelpful and detracts from the shared goals of supporting Ukraine and maintaining EU unity.
We are very clear, as the European Commission, that that type of language is not acceptable. There must not be threats against EU member states.
Top EU officials are cautiously optimistic that the loan might be approved as soon as Wednesday, according to reports, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expecting positive decisions on the €90 billion loan on Wednesday. Kallas emphasized the urgency, saying, 'We expect an agreement in 24 hours, so I don’t want to jinx it,' and added, 'We expect some positive decisions tomorrow on the 90-billion-euro loan. Ukraine really needs this loan.' This optimism reflects ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at overcoming Hungary's objections and delivering critical financial aid to Kyiv.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard hopes Ukraine can receive the loan by mid-May, indicating a potential timeline for disbursement if agreements are reached. The European Commission aims to disburse the loan as soon as possible within the second quarter, as confirmed by a Commission spokesperson. Stenergard elaborated on the process, noting, 'Now tests need to be conducted on the Druzhba line and we hope they go well and that we can then get a positive decision from Hungary perhaps even earlier than we had expected and thus be able to disburse already in mid-May.' The exact conditions or guarantees Hungary requires to lift its veto on the EU loan are still unclear, posing a challenge to timely resolution. Additionally, it is uncertain when exactly the Druzhba pipeline will resume operations and what tests are being conducted, factors that could influence Hungary's stance.
Hungary has also been opposing the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia, according to reports, demonstrating a broader pattern of resistance to EU policies aimed at pressuring Moscow. This opposition complicates the loan issue, as it reflects Orbán's consistent alignment with Russian interests within the EU framework. It remains unknown whether Hungary will also lift its opposition to the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations. This broader context highlights the multifaceted nature of the dispute, involving energy, finance, and geopolitical alignments.
The implications of this standoff extend beyond immediate financial aid, affecting EU cohesion and energy security in the region. The unknowns about pipeline operations and Hungary's demands create significant hurdles for achieving a swift resolution. As the EU works to balance member state interests with support for Ukraine, the outcome will likely influence future policy decisions and alliances within the bloc. The Commission continues to engage with all parties, aiming to de-escalate rhetoric and find practical solutions that address both energy needs and financial support for Ukraine.