Speaking at a press conference in Washington DC, Prime Minister Orbán stated that, in his view, Ukraine was responsible for halting oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline. He added that both Hungary and Slovakia share this assessment, and that available reports indicate the pipeline remains technically operational.
“There is no technical obstacle preventing the Ukrainians from restarting oil transit. This is not a matter for debate, it is a factual issue,” Prime Minister Orbán said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that under the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement, Ukrainian actions must not jeopardize the energy security of any European Union member state. In the current situation, however, he argued that such a risk exists.
Hungary, as the injured party under the agreement and represented by the European Union in this framework, expects Brussels to summon and question Ukraine regarding the alleged breach, Prime Minister Orbán said. Two EU member states, Hungary and Slovakia, have been put at risk by the decision, he added.
Prime Minister Orbán stated that Brussels now faces a difficult situation, as it must balance its political sympathies with Ukraine against its contractual obligations toward member states. Hungary is a member of the European Union, while Ukraine is not, he stressed, adding that the European Commission must fulfill its treaty-based duties regardless of political preferences.
“Brussels must stand up for the interests of its member states. It must stand up for Hungary and Slovakia vis-à-vis Ukraine. That is its task, and this is what we expect,” Prime Minister Orbán said, expressing hope that ongoing consultations would lead to this outcome.