Peter Magyar, Hungary’s recent election winner, called on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to swiftly restore oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline on Monday.
Magyar Calls for Pipeline Restart
Peter Magyar, victor in Hungary’s recent parliamentary elections, urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to resume oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline as quickly as possible.
Magyar stated that if the Ukrainian side confirms the pipeline is ready for oil transport, it should be reopened promptly, as previously promised. He also expects Russia to resume oil deliveries according to existing agreements.
Link to EU Funding
Magyar assured that if Russian oil transit through Ukraine resumes, he will withdraw the blockade imposed by outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on the EU’s €90 billion loan to Kyiv upon assuming office as prime minister.
EU Response to Repair Costs
Earlier on Monday, the European Commission declined to comment on whether the EU would cover the costs of repairing the damaged pipeline. Commission spokesperson Olof Gill stated they would not provide information at this stage but confirmed they are in contact with relevant parties to facilitate the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline.
Previous Statements and Repair Progress
On April 19th, Orbán announced that Budapest received signals indicating Ukraine was prepared to restore Druzhba pipeline transit on April 20th. In March, President Zelenskyy announced acceptance of EU support for technical and financial assistance to complete the pipeline’s repair, presented in part by Ursula von der Leyen.
Pipeline Status and Accusations
The Druzhba pipeline has been inactive since January. Transit of Russian oil through Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary was halted at the end of January due to damage from a Russian attack. Bratislava and Budapest have repeatedly accused Kyiv of delaying repairs and resuming supplies for political reasons. Zelenskyy announced on April 14th that the pipeline would be operational by the end of April.
Paks Nuclear Plant Expansion
During the press conference, Magyar also addressed the Russian-led expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant, deeming it an important and necessary project. However, he stated the new government will need to analyze the financing terms of the loan granted to Budapest by Moscow.
. **Sources:** Jakub Bawołek (PAP)