Hungary Blames Ukraine for Derailing Druzhba Oil Pipeline Talks; Kyiv Denies Allegations.

The Druzhba Pipeline Dispute

According to TSN.ua: Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has accused Ukraine of skipping a planned trilateral consultation on the Druzhba oil pipeline, but Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has firmly rejected the claim. A Hungarian delegation led by Gábor Csapék spent three and a half days in Kyiv discussing energy-related issues.

While the Druzhba pipeline is technically ready for operation, Ukraine has not yet resumed its use. The proposed trilateral meeting was meant to involve the energy ministers of Slovakia and Ukraine. In response, Ukrainian representative Heorhii Tykhyi stated:

“Hungary is fantasizing about something and then blaming Ukraine for it.” – Heorhii Tykhyi

He also added:

“You cannot refuse something that was never planned.” – Heorhii Tykhyi

The controversy has sparked discussions in diplomatic circles, notably during a briefing for the diplomatic corps held on Saturday at Naftogaz, attended by representatives from 31 countries. It is important to note that the positions of the parties remain divided, and the next steps concerning the Druzhba pipeline are still unclear.

Energy Relations Between Ukraine and Hungary

The situation surrounding the Druzhba pipeline highlights the complexity of energy relations between Ukraine and Hungary, as well as the importance of trilateral consultations for the stability of energy supplies in the region. The uncertainty in the parties’ positions could affect the energy security not only of Ukraine but also of neighboring countries that depend on this pipeline.