Hungary had previously secured an exemption from contributing to the planned assistance package. The situation shifted after January 27, when Russian crude stopped flowing to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline.
“There are no longer any physical, technical or mechanical reasons preventing the resumption of supplies. Ukraine has made a purely political decision. The blockade of the Druzhba pipeline is blackmail against Hungary,” Szijjártó said in Kisvárda. He added that Ukraine was acting in coordination with Hungary’s opposition in order to drive petrol prices at Hungarian filling stations up to around PLN 10 per litre.
In response to the supply halt, Hungary asked Croatia to allow Russian oil to be transported via the Adriatic pipeline. Croatia’s economy minister Ante Šušnjar rejected the request, saying Zagreb’s position was clear: EU assistance for Hungary, yes; Russian oil, no.
In a post on social media, Šušnjar argued that transporting non-Russian crude through the Adriatic pipeline would be more profitable for Hungary than purchasing Russian oil and shipping it through Ukraine.
The dispute highlights deepening divisions within the EU over energy security and continued financial support for Kyiv, as member states balance sanctions policy against domestic economic pressures.
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Source: PAP