Hungary and Slovakia Threaten Retaliation Amid Ukraine Oil Dispute
Tensions have been escalating between Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine over the Druzhba oil pipeline, the primary conduit for Russian crude deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia. The pipeline has been out of commission since late January, with Ukraine accusing Russia of damaging the infrastructure, a claim that Russia has denied. Both Slovakia and Hungary have accused Ukraine of using the situation for political blackmail, while Ukraine insists it's offering doable solutions
and has accused Hungary of dragging it into domestic politics.
The Druzhba Pipeline Dispute
The Druzhba pipeline dispute began when oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, which are transported via the Druzhba pipeline, stopped in late January. Ukraine blamed a Russian airstrike for the halt, but Russia countered that Ukraine was using the situation to politically blackmail Hungary and Slovakia. The two EU countries have sided with Russia in this disagreement.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called Ukraine's decision to block the pipeline blatant political blackmail
. He claimed Ukraine is withholding supplies in an effort to pressure Hungary into supporting its bid for EU membership and to release funds to Ukraine. Slovakia has also felt the impact of Ukraine's decision, declaring a state of emergency and releasing its strategic oil reserves to compensate for the lack of oil supply from Russia.
Retaliation and Ultimatums
In response to the continued halt of oil supplies, Slovakia has threatened to stop providing Ukraine with electricity unless the oil deliveries are restored within two days. Meanwhile, Hungary has threatened to block a proposed €90 billion ($106 billion) loan from the EU to Ukraine and has vetoed the EU's 20th package of sanctions on Russia.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has further accused Ukraine of violating the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and breaching its commitments to the European Union by blocking oil transit. He warned that Hungary would oppose the EU funding package until oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline resumes.
Implications and Reactions
The European Union continues to seek ways around Hungary's block on sanctions against Russia and the proposed loan to Ukraine. The EU has stated that only Ukraine should decide when the infrastructure of the Druzhba pipeline can be restored, highlighting the risks of renewed Russian strikes during repairs.
The dispute over the Druzhba pipeline has not only strained relations between Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia but has also disrupted European projects, including aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
Current Status
As it stands, Ukraine has postponed the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline until late February, while Hungary and Slovakia continue to demand an immediate resumption of supplies. The EU is still working to circumnavigate Hungary's veto on sanctions against Russia and the proposed loan to Ukraine. The dispute is set to continue as each country stands firm on its stance, with the future of the Druzhba pipeline, and the political relations between the three countries, hanging in the balance.