Oil Pipeline Conflict Continues, National Security Report May Spark New Disputes, Hungarian Prime Minister: Will Never Allow Ukraine Extortion

【Global Times Special Correspondent in Russia Xiao Xinxin】Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán posted a video on social media on the 12th, stating that Hungary will never allow extortion and threats, and calling for Ukraine to restore the operation of the “friendship” oil pipeline. Gergely Gulyás, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, said on the 12th that as long as Ukraine does not resume pipeline operations, Hungary will continue to block the EU’s €90 billion loan aid to Ukraine and the 20th round of sanctions against Russia. Orbán will maintain this stance at the EU summit next week.

Orbán and Zelensky (Visual China)

Recently, the dispute between Hungary and Ukraine over the “friendship” oil pipeline has escalated. Since January 27th, the pipeline transporting crude oil from Russia through Ukraine to Hungary, Slovakia, and other countries has been shut down. Ukraine claims the pipeline was damaged and halted due to an attack by Russia. However, Hungary expressed dissatisfaction, accusing Ukraine of deliberately delaying and postponing oil shipments for political reasons.

The European Commission has proposed sending a delegation to Ukraine to assess the damage to the “friendship” pipeline. According to U.S. News Agency, EU Commission spokesperson Itkonen said on the 12th that the EU Commission has had in-depth discussions and communication with Ukraine for several weeks regarding the feasibility and timeline of repairing the pipeline, and has proposed sending a delegation for on-site inspection. They are currently awaiting Ukraine’s response to this proposal. Regarding the “delegation” sent by Hungary to Ukraine, EU Commission chief spokesperson Piniello responded on the same day, suggesting to “directly consult” the Hungarian side.

According to Reuters, Hungary has taken several countermeasures against Ukraine. Hungary has stopped delivering gasoline and diesel to Ukraine, currently only maintaining electricity exports. On February 5th, Hungary detained two cash transport vehicles belonging to a Ukrainian state-owned bank on suspicion of money laundering. At the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting in February, Hungary opposed providing Ukraine with €90 billion in loan aid and the 20th round of sanctions against Russia.

Additionally, U.S. News Agency reported that Hungarian government spokesperson Kovács said on the 11th that a Hungarian delegation went to Ukraine to assess the pipeline’s condition and negotiate to restore oil supplies. Ukraine responded on the same day, stating that these individuals have no official status in Ukraine and no official talks have been arranged; they are “tourists,” not a “delegation.” Ukrainian President Zelensky said on the same day that he does not know what the so-called “delegation” is doing in Ukraine, only being told it is a “private visit.” Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó accused Zelensky of “lying,” stating that Hungary had previously sent an official note to Ukraine. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later released a reply to Hungary’s note, indicating that Ukraine “does not accept” the proposed visit date.

According to reports from Hungarian “24.hu” and others, former Ukrainian Security Service Major General Omerchenko issued a public death threat against Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán and his family on the 11th, claiming that a Ukrainian organization aimed at eliminating enemies has all their addresses and information. If Orbán cares about his relatives, he must change his “anti-Ukrainian stance.” Reports also say Zelensky issued a similar threat on the 5th, hoping that “someone in the EU” would not block the €90 billion aid loan to Ukraine, or else that person’s address would be handed over to Ukrainian armed forces.

It is reported that the two cash transport vehicles belonging to a Ukrainian state-owned bank, which were seized by Hungary, were returned to Ukraine on the 12th, but the original cargo of $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kilograms of gold remains confiscated by Hungary. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba said on the 12th that Hungary’s “illegal actions” have completely crossed all bottom lines, and he also thanked 35 Members of the European Parliament for condemning Hungary over this matter.

Hungarian “Budapest Times” website reported on the 13th that Ukraine, motivated by politics, has blocked the vital “friendship” oil pipeline to Hungary and recently attacked the “Turkish Stream” pipeline located within Russia. By restricting oil supplies, Ukraine directly threatens Hungary’s energy security and attempts to create economic and energy instability. The purpose of Ukraine’s pressure is obvious: to try to disrupt Hungary’s economy and political environment before the Hungarian parliamentary elections in April, hoping that Ukraine’s loyal political ally and opposition leader Magohr can benefit from this.

AP reported that Gulyás on the 12th said he would declassify a national security report indicating that Orbán’s main political opponent, Magohr, received “illegal funds” from Ukraine during the election. It is reported that Orbán last week stated that Ukraine provided “large amounts” of funds to Magohr’s party for software development and voter mobilization efforts.