Orban Issues Ultimatum to Kyiv: No EU Loan Without Restored Oil Transit.

Hungary's Stance on EU Credit for Ukraine

According to TSN.ua: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made clear that Budapest will not agree to unlock an EU loan for Ukraine until Russian oil flows again through the Druzhba pipeline. This demand underscores how critical the pipeline remains for Hungary's political and economic interests, while also raising doubts about its willingness to back financial aid for Ukraine amid the current conflict.

Orban stressed that oil is a precondition for any financial support.

'No oil means no money. If President Zelensky wants his funds from Brussels, he must reopen the Druzhba pipeline.' — Viktor Orban

This position shows that Hungary is making its financial backing for Ukraine conditional on the resumption of operations along this key oil route.

Druzhba Pipeline Dispute

Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto characterized the Druzhba pipeline situation as a 'political game.' He added that

'every step was coordinated between Kyiv and Brussels,'

claiming that the Hungarian delegation was not given access to the pipeline. This highlights the growing tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently addressed by noting the deterioration of bilateral cooperation.

As a result, Hungary's position on the EU loan for Ukraine remains uncertain until Russian oil transit through Druzhba is restored. This deadlock could affect future relations between Budapest and Kyiv, as well as Ukraine's financial circumstances. According to its leadership, Hungary is tying its economic interests to geopolitical challenges, a move that may complicate collaboration between the two countries—especially given Ukraine's ongoing conflict and its urgent need for international financial support.