Hungary Blocks EU Munitions Refunds Over Ukrainian Oil Transit Ban

Hungary has declared it will block European Union refunds for member states providing munitions to Ukraine until Kyiv permits the transit of Russian oil from Lukoil through its territory. This announcement follows a halt in oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline, affecting both Hungary and Slovakia.

Hungary has announced its decision to block European Union refunds for member states supplying munitions to Ukraine until Kyiv allows the transit of Russian oil from Lukoil through its territory. The announcement was made by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Tuesday.

This move comes after both Hungary and Slovakia reported a halt in oil deliveries from Lukoil via the Druzhba pipeline, following Ukraine's recent transit ban. In response, Hungary's energy ministry has formed a working group to evaluate and plan further steps to ensure supply security.

Foreign Minister Szijjarto stressed that without a resolution from Ukraine, the EU's 6.5 billion euros in European Peace Facility (EPF) compensation for arms transfers would remain unpaid. The EPF acts as a cashback scheme for EU members sending munitions to other nations, with Ukraine's foreign ministry yet to comment on the situation. Hungary and Slovakia have both requested the European Commission to mediate a consultation procedure with Ukraine to resolve the issue.