Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has proposed that a “fact-finding mission” be deployed to the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba pipeline to assess the damage caused last month by a Russian attack, which precipitated a halt in oil deliveries.
“It is in the interest of Hungary to restore the transfer as soon as possible. Hungary is ready to constructively engage in all efforts that contribute to this objective,” Orbán says in a new letter sent on Thursday to António Costa, the president of the European Council, and seen by Euronews.
“In this context, Hungary supports the idea of a fact-finding mission with the participation of experts delegated by Hungary and Slovakia to verify the status of the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary will accept the findings of such a mission,” he adds.
The interruption of supplies through Druzhba is at the core of a tense confrontation between Budapest and Kyiv, with the former vetoing a €90 billion loan for the latter.
The blockage of the assistance loan, agreed by EU leaders during a momentous summit in December, has prompted widespread accusations of disloyalty.
In his letter, Orbán admits the “political difficulties” caused by his last-minute veto and says he is committed to finding a “timely resolution”.
“I am fully aware of the political difficulties created by the delay in the implementation of the European Council conclusions on the financial support for Ukraine,” he concludes.
“My initiative also aims at facilitating the timely resolution of this issue.”
Sky-high tensions
The tone is substantially different from the incendiary messages that the Hungarian leader has been posting on social media for the past week.
Earlier on Thursday, Orbán published an open letter addressed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which he drew a direct link between the energy dispute and the upcoming elections on 12 April, where Orbán trails behind in polls by double digits.
“We also see that you, Brussels, and the Hungarian opposition are coordinating efforts to bring a pro-Ukraine government to power in Hungary,” Orbán said.
“I therefore call on you to change your anti-Hungarian policy!”
On Monday, Orbán snapped back at Costa after the European Council president sharply accused him of breaching the principle of sincere cooperation.
“I am one of the most disciplined and consistent members of the European Council,” he told Costa. “You also certainly see the absurdity of the situation: we take a decision financially favourable to Ukraine that I personally disapproved, then Ukraine creates an energy emergency situation in Hungary, and you ask me to pretend nothing happened.”
The idea of a fact-finding mission is not new. It was suggested on Monday by Luxembourg during a meeting of foreign affairs ministers, Euronews reported.
It is not immediately clear when the fact-finding mission could be deployed or whether Kyiv would give permission, given the dangers that technicians face on the ground under Russian bombardment. It is also not clear who could take the lead.
The European Commission did not reply to a request for comment.
Brussels has asked the Ukrainian government to accelerate the repairs of the Druzhba pipeline. Privately, EU officials and diplomats say this is the most practical way to solve the crisis, lift the Hungarian veto and ensure the final approval of the €90 billion loan.
On Wednesday, Zelenskyy warned that the repairs cannot happen “that fast”.
At the same time, the Adria pipeline, which brings seaborne oil through Croatia, has emerged as the most viable alternative route. Hungary, however, has made it clear it is not interested in paying the higher fees that come with non-Russian oil.
