Volodymyr Zelensky hinted that the attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia are directly related to Hungary’s position on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
The Ukrainian President made this statement in Kyiv, at a press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda.
A reporter asked Zelensky if Kyiv gained more influence over Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban after the recent attacks on the Druzhba pipeline and after Zelensky asked U.S. President Donald Trump for help in lifting Hungary's veto on starting negotiations for Ukraine's EU accession.
"I have always supported the friendship between Ukraine and Hungary. And now the existence of Druzhba (which means 'friendship' in Ukrainian) depends on Hungary's position," Zelensky replied.
The Druzhba pipeline transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, the only two EU countries that continue to buy Russian oil through this system, and has become an issue in the dialogue between Ukraine and Hungary.
Orban's veto on opening the first group of negotiations for Ukraine's EU accession has been identified as the main sticking point.
Zelensky stated on Thursday that he asked U.S. President Donald Trump to try to convince Orban not to block Ukraine's path to EU accession.
Ukrainian forces have struck the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia twice, and Viktor Orban complained to U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing Kyiv of "unfriendly moves." "Viktor, I don't like to hear that; I'm very upset. Say this to Slovakia too! You are my great friend," Trump responded.
Additionally, the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a complaint with the European Commission.
T.D.