Orban Deploys Troops Amid Ukraine Oil Dispute
Orban has accused Kyiv of creating an “oil blockade” by intentionally delaying the reopening of the Druzhba pipeline, which is the main route for Russian crude oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia.
Shipments via the pipeline have been halted since January 27, with Ukraine attributing the closure to Russian strikes. Orban, however, insists the suspension is politically motivated and warned that Kyiv is “preparing further actions.”
Ukraine has not immediately responded to Orban’s statements.
Critics argue that Orban is escalating tensions with Ukraine to convince Hungarian voters that the country is under attack ahead of April elections, as his Fidesz party lags in recent polls, potentially ending 16 years in power.
Seen as Russia’s closest ally in the EU, Orban recently vetoed a €90 billion (£78 billion / $98 billion) EU loan to Ukraine and blocked the bloc’s 20th sanctions package against Moscow.
Kyiv has conducted strikes against Russian oil facilities, including a section of the Druzhba pipeline inside Russian territory. A recent drone attack forced Russia’s oil operator to cut intake by roughly 250,000 barrels a day, according to reports.
Amid these disruptions, Ukraine faces severe power shortages and has had to increase imports from Europe, some of which pass through Hungary and Slovakia. Both nations have warned they may suspend emergency electricity deliveries to Ukraine until the pipeline is reopened.
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