Hungary PM Accuses Ukraine of Blocking Energy Supply Amid Election Campaign

In an escalating dispute, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accuses Ukraine of jeopardizing Hungary's energy supply by blocking the Druzhba pipeline — a critical conduit for Russian oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia. The conflict comes as Orban and his Fidesz party face a significant electoral challenge in the parliamentary elections slated for April 12.

Background and Context

The Druzhba, or 'Friendship' oil pipeline, has become a source of tension among its namesake 'friends.' Fears are growing in Hungary over the EU's perceived lax attitude on the pipeline's security, prompting calls for military deployment to protect the infrastructure. Critics argue that Orban's insistence on deploying troops is a political maneuver ahead of the national election, a charge dismissed by the Hungarian government that highlights ongoing attacks on the pipeline's infrastructure by Ukrainian secret services.

The Hungarian Prime Minister has also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of pursuing an anti-Hungarian policy, and endangering the secure and affordable energy supply for Hungarian families. Orban conveyed these concerns in an open letter to Zelenskyy, demanding a change in Ukraine's policy.

Key Developments

On February 26, Orban sent two letters, one to Brussels and another to Kyiv, with a set of demands. According to reports, the target audience for these letters was not EU and Ukrainian officials but rather the domestic population soon heading to the polls. Orban has also ordered increased security at critical energy infrastructure sites as a response to perceived threats.

Hungary's Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, has echoed Orban's sentiments, accusing Ukraine of political blackmail and undermining Budapest's energy security. He also dismissed claims that Hungary harbors hostility towards Ukraine, suggesting instead that it's Kyiv that's been pursuing hostile policies towards Hungary for years.

Implications and Reactions

The squabble over the pipeline comes as the EU seeks to reduce its dependence on Russian oil and gas, a move complicated by the heavy reliance of countries like Hungary and Slovakia on Russian supplies. The standoff exposes the political and economic hurdles obstructing the bloc's roadmap to energy independence.

In a significant move, Hungary has reportedly blocked the EU's €90 billion loan to Ukraine, demanding that oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline resumes. This decision has put the EU in a challenging position, with reports suggesting that EU officials might offer Hungary a backroom deal on Russian oil supplies to circumvent Budapest's resistance.

Current Status

As the standoff continues, Russia has informed Hungary that all damage to the Druzhba pipeline has been repaired. Hungary maintains that Ukraine's refusal to resume transportation via the pipeline constitutes political blackmail, stressing that it's a political, not a technical or physical decision. Meanwhile, Orban's government is ramping up security measures at its energy sites, ordering military units and additional police to guard energy infrastructure sites in areas bordering Ukraine, citing potential threats of Ukrainian attacks.