BUDAPEST, March 5 (Reuters) - Hungary will force neighbouring Ukraine with "political and financial tools" to reopen the key Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungarian refineries, Prime
Hungary to Use Political and Financial Means to Reopen Russian Oil Pipeline
Hungary's Response to the Druzhba Pipeline Suspension
Background of the Pipeline Disruption
BUDAPEST, March 5 (Reuters) - Hungary will force neighbouring Ukraine with "political and financial tools" to reopen the key Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungarian refineries, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday.
Flows of Russian oil through the Druzhba to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine have been suspended since late January when Kyiv says the pipeline was seriously damaged by a fire after a Russian attack.
Accusations and Political Tensions
Hungary and Slovakia, the only European Union countries still importing Russian oil, have accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying the resumption of oil flows for political reasons. Kyiv says the pipeline cannot be repaired quickly.
Orban's Statements and Strategy
"I would like to make clear that we will win, and we will win with force," Orban told a business conference.
"We have no military force for this, I can reassure everyone that this is not part of our plans. But we have political and financial tools," he said, without elaborating.
Political Implications and Upcoming Elections
Last month, Hungary vetoed new EU sanctions on Russia and also a huge loan for Ukraine over the Druzhba pipeline dispute.
In power since 2010, the veteran leader has made the Ukraine war a focal point in his campaign for re-election in an April 12 ballot, accusing his centre-right challenger Peter Magyar of plotting to drag Hungary into the war raging next door. Magyar strongly denies the suggestion.
Economic Context and Election Outlook
With Hungary mired in a three-year-long economic stagnation, most polls show Magyar's Tisza party ahead by a wide margin, although the outcome of the vote remains uncertain.
Orban's Determination
"There will be no compromise whatsoever. We will defeat them, we will wrestle down the oil blockade and we will force the Ukrainians to resume shipments," Orban said.
(Reporting by Gergely SzakacsEditing by Gareth Jones)
