Incoming Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has waded into a high-stakes energy dispute, urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to restart oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline if it is technically capable. The demand comes as Brussels signals readiness to unlock a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, provided Budapest lifts its veto—a veto that outgoing premier Viktor Orbán has wielded as leverage.
Speaking to reporters, Magyar dismissed suggestions that Ukraine might demand concessions—such as faster EU accession talks—in exchange for resuming deliveries. “What I can say to the Ukrainian president—although we have not spoken—is that this is not a game,” he said. “If the Druzhba pipeline is in a condition to carry oil, then it should be reopened as promised. We also call on Russia to supply oil into the pipeline. Without it, it cannot function.”
Magyar, whose party won a decisive victory in recent elections, added that his government had its own indications that flows could restart within days. He stressed that Hungary would not “give in to blackmail” and warned Zelenskyy against pursuing a confrontational path. “I would not advise the Ukrainian president to go down that road. Not only Hungary, but Europe as a whole would reject it. Reopening agreements that have already been settled is not how we operate in Europe,” he said.
The Druzhba pipeline, one of the world’s longest, has been a flashpoint since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv halted transit of Russian crude in 2022, citing security concerns and sanctions compliance. Orbán had earlier indicated that deliveries could resume on Monday, though no evidence of renewed flows has emerged. Zelenskyy has not commented publicly on the matter.
Hungary’s ICC Reversal and Netanyahu Invitation
Magyar also addressed Hungary’s position on the International Criminal Court (ICC), which Orbán’s government had moved to exit last year. The prime minister-elect said he intends to reverse that decision and keep Hungary within the ICC framework. “I have been transparent: if an individual who is subject to an international warrant enters Hungary, they must be detained,” he said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he invited to Budapest last week despite an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes. “I assume all heads of state and government are aware of these legal requirements.”
The invitation has raised eyebrows across Europe, given the ICC’s jurisdiction and Hungary’s obligations as a signatory. Magyar’s stance suggests a more legalistic approach than Orbán’s, though the practical implications remain unclear.
EU Funds and Reform Commitments
On the domestic front, Magyar outlined a strategy to unlock billions of euros in EU funds currently frozen over rule-of-law concerns. He acknowledged that several conditions set by Brussels may need renegotiation but identified four key areas where progress could be made, including anti-corruption measures and press freedom. “These align with the European Commission’s expectations,” he noted.
Magyar pledged that his government could achieve in three months what “Orbán could not accomplish in three years,” promising to address systemic issues and ensure proper accounting of EU funds in previous projects. He also called on the European Commission to suspend fines imposed on Hungary over its refusal to comply with EU refugee quota rules. “Initially, this was dismissed as impossible, but there are now indications it may be reconsidered,” he said.
The developments come as Péter Magyar's victory in Hungary reshapes Budapest's stance towards Brussels, signaling a potential thaw in relations. However, the Druzhba dispute underscores the delicate balance between energy security, geopolitical leverage, and European solidarity. As Magyar's win prompts EU reform debate in Brussels, the bloc faces pressure to reconcile member-state interests with collective support for Ukraine.
Magyar’s comments also echo broader concerns about disinformation and energy dependencies. Recent AI-generated images falsely linking Zelenskyy to Jeffrey Epstein highlight the information warfare surrounding the conflict. Meanwhile, the EU’s ability to navigate such crises will test its cohesion as it confronts both internal and external challenges.
