Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made it clear at the start of a Brussels summit that he would not back pro‑Ukraine measures until Hungary’s oil supplies were restored. He said he would not support the €90 billion loan for Ukraine until the stoppage of Russian oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline-a disruption caused by damage weeks earlier-was resolved. Orbán had originally signed the loan in December but later placed a veto. The EU Commission has offered to send experts to help repair the pipeline, but Orbán rejects that arrangement, stating he will only reconsider once oil actually reaches Hungary again. His withdrawal of support after the summit has upset other member states, as it is unprecedented to retract backing on a subsequent meeting. Critics accuse Orbán of exploiting the crisis for his upcoming parliamentary elections on 12 April.
Politics
