Hungary will gradually cut off natural gas supplies to Ukraine until Russian oil deliveries resume through the Druzhba pipeline, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Wednesday. The transit of natural gas through Hungary plays a key role in fulfilling Ukraine's energy needs amid its ongoing war with Russia.
Key Takeaways
Hungary will gradually cut off gas supplies to Ukraine until Russian oil deliveries resume through the Druzhba pipeline. This move follows accusations by Hungary and Slovakia that Ukraine is deliberately holding up Russian oil flows.
- Hungary halts gas transit to Ukraine over halted Russian oil supplies
- Orbán accuses Ukraine of 'blackmail' for stopping Russian oil transit
- 45% of Ukrainian gas imports came through Hungary last year, down to 38% by January
The decision comes after Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia were halted for nearly two months due to what Ukrainian officials say were Russian drone attacks that damaged the pipeline, which crosses Ukrainian territory. Orbán accused Ukraine of 'Ukrainian blackmail,' stating that as long as Ukraine does not supply oil, it will not receive gas from Hungary.
According to Ukrainian energy consultancy EXPRO, Ukraine imported around 45% of its gas needs through Hungary last year, a figure that dropped to 38% by January. Orbán's announcement is part of a series of retaliatory measures Hungary has taken in response to interrupted Russian oil flows.
Last week, Orbán blocked a €90-billion EU loan to Ukraine over the interruptions and vowed to veto any further pro-Ukraine decisions until oil flows resume. Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó admitted that he regularly talks to Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov during private European Union meetings, claiming it's part of diplomacy.
The revelation follows a Washington Post report alleging that Budapest has kept close ties with the Kremlin throughout the war with Ukraine. The EU's foreign affairs spokesperson Anitta Hipper said Monday that the reports are 'greatly concerning' and that trust between member countries is fundamental. German officials described the allegations as 'very serious,' emphasizing the confidentiality of EU discussions.
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