Hungary’s Future PM Péter Magyar Criticizes Zelensky Over Controversial Druzhba Pipeline Standoff

By John Smith, World Editor April 21, 2026 Hungary’s incoming prime minister Péter Magyar has urged Ukraine to reopen the Druzhba pipeline if it is operational, warning against using the infrastructure as leverage in negotiations over financial support or EU accession. Speaking in a press briefing reported by Euronews, Magyar said that while he has not spoken directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he believes the pipeline should be restored if technically capable of carrying oil. He emphasized that Russia must too supply crude for the line to function. “If the Druzhba pipeline is in a condition to carry oil, then it should be reopened as promised,” Magyar stated. “We also call on Russia to supply oil into the pipeline. Without it, it cannot function.” His comments come amid reports that Ukraine may consider restoring oil flows through the pipeline in exchange for a €90 billion loan currently blocked by outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, or as part of accelerated EU accession talks. Magyar dismissed such notions, saying reopening settled agreements under pressure would not be acceptable in European diplomacy. “What I can say to the Ukrainian president — whereas we have not spoken — is that this is not a game,” he said. “He should not travel down that street. 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.” Magyar added that his party has indications the pipeline could resume operations within days, but stressed Hungary would not yield to perceived pressure tactics. Earlier, Orbán had suggested deliveries might restart on Monday, though no evidence of resumed flow has been confirmed. The Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil through Ukrainian territory to Central European refineries, has been a point of contention since the onset of the war in Ukraine. Its potential reactivation carries significance for regional energy markets and ongoing diplomatic discussions regarding Ukraine’s financial needs and EU integration path.