Hungary is nearing the unblocking of a €90 billion EU financial aid package for Ukraine — these funds are critical for supporting the country’s economy amid ongoing aggression from Russia. Negotiations between the current government in Budapest and European partners have significantly accelerated following the transfer of power to the newly elected team.
This is reported by Finway
Hungary’s Position: Conditions for Lifting the Block on Financial Aid
Outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized that Hungary could agree to unblock credit support for Ukraine in the coming days. However, he stated that a key condition is the resumption of Russian oil transportation through the damaged Druzhba pipeline. According to Orbán, this issue has become central in negotiations with Brussels.
“If there is oil, there will be money,” Orbán reiterated his position.
According to Western media, Budapest directly links the unblocking of financial aid for Ukraine with the swift resumption of oil supplies. Meanwhile, the newly elected Hungarian leadership is consulting with the European Commission regarding access to its own frozen European funds.
Possible Timelines for Decision and Reactions
The European Commission confirmed that it is in constant dialogue with all involved parties to facilitate the quickest possible resumption of oil transportation. It is emphasized that all EU member states must adhere to the commitments made at the December summit, where the credit package for Ukraine was agreed upon.
EU Affairs Minister János Bóka stated that a decision to unblock the funds could be made as early as April 22, provided that oil pumping through Druzhba resumes by that date.
The situation is becoming particularly urgent as Ukraine has been resisting Russian aggression for over four years, and after the cessation of funding from the United States in 2025, it faces a deficit in external support. Experts estimate that the available resources may only last until June.
Following the electoral victory of the Tisza party, Hungary’s new leader Péter Magyar also reported that he received confirmation from MOL Nyrt CEO Zsolt Hernádi regarding the prospects of resuming pumping this week. According to Magyar, Hernádi is preparing to visit Moscow to discuss further supplies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that oil transportation through the pipeline could be resumed by the end of April.