Hungary’s Péter Magyar expects Druzhba oil pipeline to resume by end of April

When asked whether he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about restarting the pipeline, Magyar replied that more than a month ago he had suggested to the prime minister that they travel together to inspect the pipeline, but the offer was not taken up.

Magyar added that Hungary will still be governed for the next 20–30 days by the interim government led by Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, which bears “enormous responsibility” for its actions during that period.

On April 14, Zelenskyy stated that the Druzhba pipeline would be repaired by the end of April sufficiently for it to function.

Orbán’s government has been blocking an EU loan of €90 billion ($103 billion) to Ukraine and the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia, issuing ultimatums tied to the resumption of Druzhba operations.

Tisza, led by Magyar, won the Hungarian parliamentary elections on April 12, securing 137 seats while Fidesz took 55.

After the victory, Magyar said he plans to meet with Zelenskyy and supports the €90 billion EU loan agreement for Ukraine, which would allow Hungary to opt out of its financing.

He also stated that Russia poses a danger to Hungary and that no one has the right to dictate peace terms to Ukraine.