Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
BUDAPEST, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Monday his country would confront what he called "open political blackmail" by Ukraine over the suspension of crude oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.
Speaking at the opening of the Hungarian parliament's spring session, V. Orbán accused Ukraine of attempting to pressure Hungary by halting oil transit. He stated that Budapest would not make concessions and would remain committed to protecting its national interests.
The Prime Minister criticized the European Union's position on the issue, claiming that Brussels had sided with non-EU member Ukraine.
"As long as there is a national government in Hungary… we will not refuse Russian energy resources, we will not pay Ukraine, and we will not support the war," Orbán emphasized, referring to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine that began four years ago.
As the Prime Minister pointed out, Hungary, together with Slovakia, has taken measures to block certain EU decisions favoring Ukraine, even to the point of resuming oil transit. He stated that refusing Russian energy supplies would undermine Hungary's policy of reducing utility prices and lead to a significant increase in household expenses.
These statements came after Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó announced on February 20 that Hungary would block the disbursement of a planned €90 billion EU military loan for Ukraine and the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia until oil supplies were restored.
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