politics
March 17, 2026
Orban: Open 'Druzhba' or Ukraine Will Lose Loan
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today that if Ukraine wants to receive a loan from the EU, it must reopen the 'Druzhba' oil pipeline.
TL;DR
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban linked the reopening of the "Druzhba" oil pipeline to Ukraine receiving an EU loan.
- Orban accused Ukraine of intentionally blocking Russian oil to influence upcoming Hungarian elections.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied these accusations, stating that repairs are underway and expected to be completed within a month and a half, provided there are no new Russian attacks.
- The "Druzhba" oil pipeline's flow to Hungary and Slovakia has been suspended since late January, with Ukraine blaming Russian attacks and Slovakia/Hungary blaming Ukraine for the prolonged interruption.
- Hungary has stated it will continue to block a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia until oil flow through the "Druzhba" pipeline is restored.
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