Arabic version: هنغاريا تنشر جنودًا بسبب مزاعم أوكرانيا بعرقلة النفط
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stationed soldiers at key energy facilities across the country, accusing Ukraine of disrupting energy supplies. Orbán claims that Kyiv is imposing an “oil blockade” by deliberately delaying the reopening of the Druzhba pipeline, the main route for delivering Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
Shipments of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia through the pipeline have been cut off since January 27, with Ukraine stating that it was closed after Russian strikes. Orbán has labeled the suspension of oil flow as purely political, suggesting that Ukraine is “preparing further actions” against Hungary’s energy infrastructure. According to BBC News, Ukraine’s government did not immediately respond to Orbán’s allegations.
The situation has escalated as Ukraine continues to face acute power shortages, prompting it to increase imports from Europe, including Hungary and Slovakia. Both countries have threatened to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine until the oil pipeline is reopened. However, an EU spokesperson assured that Hungary and Slovakia do not currently run the risk of a shortage of oil, as alternative sources are supplying both nations.
Following a meeting of the Hungarian Defence Council, Orbán announced measures to protect critical energy infrastructure. These measures include deploying soldiers to energy stations, increased police patrols at power stations, and a ban on drones in Hungary’s northeastern border region with Ukraine. Orbán accused the Ukrainian government of exerting pressure through the alleged oil blockade and preparing further disruptions to Hungary’s energy system.
Critics of Orbán suggest that his rhetoric against Ukraine may be aimed at rallying public support ahead of Hungary’s upcoming elections in April, where his ruling Fidesz party is trailing in opinion polls. Earlier this week, Hungary also vetoed a €90 billion European Union loan to Ukraine, expressing discontent over the ongoing dispute regarding the Druzhba pipeline.
