Ukraine and the EU plan to resume cooperation against the backdrop of the conflict with Hungary

Ukraine plans to resume the transit of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline, having received support from the European Union to repair the system. The EU is ready to provide the necessary technical assistance and financing.

This was announced by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

At the same time, tensions have arisen between Ukraine and Hungary over the situation surrounding the Druzhba pipeline.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó expressed concern that Ukraine is not restoring the pipeline for alleged political reasons.

“Tripartite consultations were to take place today with the participation of the energy ministers of Ukraine and Slovakia, but the Ukrainian side ultimately decided not to participate,” he noted.

Szijjártó also reported that the Hungarian delegation spent several days in Kyiv trying to resume negotiations.

However, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied this information. Spokesman Georgy Tykhyi stressed that the accusations from Hungary are groundless.

“Hungary is making things up and then trying to blame Ukraine for this,” he stressed.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also reported on a briefing at Naftogaz for diplomats, which was attended by representatives of 31 countries, including the Hungarian ambassador. The Ukrainian side provided information on the status of the Druzhba pipeline.

The conflict between the countries continues regarding the transit of Russian oil to Central Europe through the territory of Ukraine.

In addition, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has intensified his anti-Ukraine stance in the context of the election campaign on the eve of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12, 2026. Billboards have appeared in cities in Hungary claiming that Uzhhorod is a “Hungarian city” and borscht is a “Hungarian dish.”