Orban: Open ‘Druzhba’ or Ukraine Will Lose Loan Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky must reopen the “Druzhba” oil pipeline if Ukraine wants to receive an EU loan, emphasizing that “no oil means no money.” Orban alleges Ukraine is using the oil blockade to influence Hungarian elections. Zelensky, however, denies intentionally blocking oil transport, citing technical issues and potential Russian attacks as the cause for the pipeline’s disruption.

• 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.