In a recent letter addressed to António Costa, Viktor Orbán acknowledges the "political challenges" resulting from his veto on the €90 billion loan intended for Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has suggested deploying a «fact-finding mission» to the Ukrainian segment of the Druzhba pipeline to evaluate the damage from a Russian attack last month, which led to a suspension of oil supply.
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«Hungary’s interest lies in resuming the transfer promptly. The country is prepared to actively participate in all initiatives that advance this goal,» Orbán wrote in a letter sent Thursday to António Costa, president of the European Council, seen by Euronews.
«In this framework, Hungary endorses the proposal of a fact-finding mission involving experts appointed by Hungary and Slovakia to assess the Druzhba pipeline’s condition. Hungary commits to accepting the outcomes of such a mission,» he added.
The halt in supplies via Druzhba is central to the intense dispute between Budapest and Kyiv, with Hungary blocking a €90 billion loan intended for Ukraine.
The veto on the financial aid, approved by EU leaders during a significant December summit, has sparked widespread accusations of bad faith.
In his letter, Orbán concedes the «political difficulties» arising from his eleventh-hour veto and expresses dedication to achieving a «timely solution».
«I fully recognize the political challenges caused by delaying the execution of the European Council conclusions concerning financial support for Ukraine,» he concludes.
«My proposal also seeks to aid in reaching a prompt resolution to this matter.»
Heightened tensions
The tone contrasts sharply with the provocative statements the Hungarian leader has shared on social media over the past week.
Earlier on Thursday, Orbán released an open letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, linking the energy dispute directly to the upcoming April 12 elections, where Orbán is trailing significantly in the polls.
«It is also observable that you, Brussels, and the Hungarian opposition are cooperating to establish a pro-Ukraine government in Hungary,» Orbán stated.
«Therefore, I urge you to reconsider your anti-Hungarian stance!»
On Monday, Orbán responded to Costa after the European Council president accused him sharply of violating the principle of sincere cooperation.
«I am among the most disciplined and consistent members of the European Council,» he told Costa. «You must also recognize the absurdity: we approve a financial measure beneficial to Ukraine, which I personally opposed; then Ukraine generates an energy crisis in Hungary, and you expect me to ignore it.»
The concept of a fact-finding mission is not recent. It was proposed on Monday by Luxembourg during a foreign affairs ministers’ meeting, Euronews reported.
It remains unclear when the fact-finding mission could be launched or if Kyiv would authorize it, considering the risks technicians face amid ongoing Russian shelling. Additionally, leadership of the mission is yet to be determined.
The European Commission did not provide comments when asked.
Brussels has requested the Ukrainian government to expedite repairs on the Druzhba pipeline. EU officials and diplomats, speaking off the record, consider this the most practical solution to resolve the crisis, lift the Hungarian veto, and finalize approval of the €90 billion loan.
On Wednesday, Zelenskyy cautioned that the repairs could not be completed «that quickly».
Meanwhile, the Adria pipeline, which delivers seaborne oil through Croatia, has emerged as the most feasible alternative route. However, Hungary has indicated unwillingness to cover the higher tariffs associated with oil sourced outside Russia.