Hungary has delivered an ultimatum to Ukraine, demanding the resumption of Russian oil transit or immediate access for inspectors to the Druzhba pipeline within three days. Gabor Csepek, State Secretary at the Hungarian Ministry of Energy, announced the move as part of Budapest's efforts to secure its energy supplies.
The official explained that Budapest has formed an expert group to conduct a fact-finding mission regarding the pipeline's status. This route remains critically important for Hungary, as it facilitates the delivery of 5 million tons of crude oil annually.
Csepek sent a formal letter to Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister, stipulating that Kyiv must either restart transit within three working days or permit an inspection of the Brody substation. He emphasized that Ukraine is obligated to take these steps under existing agreements with the European Union.
While Ukrainian authorities previously claimed the facility was damaged in an attack, Hungarian sources contend that repairs have long been completed. Budapest maintains that the continued blockage of the Druzhba pipeline is motivated solely by political considerations rather than technical issues.