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Hungary asks Croatia for help after Russian oil flows via Ukraine halted
Hungary and Slovakia seek Croatian transit of Russian oil via the Adria pipeline after Druzhba pipeline halt, with MOL noting Adria could supply 80% of crude needs.
- On April 8, 2025 Hungary and Slovakia requested that Croatia allow shipment of Russian crude via the Adriatic pipeline, with Peter Szijjarto and Denisa Sakova jointly writing to the Croatian government in Zagreb.
- Oil transit along the Druzhba pipeline via Ukraine has been halted since late last month amid Russian attacks, leaving Budapest reliant on this route for most of its oil flows.
- On social media, Croatia signalled it could assist within EU law and US sanctions, with Szijjarto noting `We are on very good terms with the Trump administration`.
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has remained committed to Russian energy and frequently debated Adriatic pipeline capacity with Croatia, while Robert Fico on Sunday echoed Orban's view of Ukraine using Druzhba for political leverage.
- In bilateral meetings, Szijjarto said the US framework includes economic elements and a planned nuclear cooperation agreement, highlighting broader energy diplomacy, as he discussed with Marco Rubio on Monday.
59 Articles
59 Articles
Despite the EU sanctions, Hungary and Slovakia are dependent on Russian oil. Since Ukraine has stopped transit through the Drushba pipeline, the two Kremlin-near countries are on the dry side. Now, Croatia is to help out.
The Adria pipeline is ready for operation, so there are no technical excuses for any EU country to remain tied to Russian crude oil, Croatian Economy Minister Ante Shushnyar said at the request of Hungary and Slovakia to transport Russian oil along this route.
Since the end of January no more Russian oil comes through the Drushba pipeline. Now Hungary and Slovakia are experiencing problems with the supply.
Zagreb called on Budapest and Bratislava to stop profiting in the war.
Croatia Rejects Hungary’s Request to Transit Russian Oil via Adria Pipeline
Hungary and Croatia traded sharp public statements this week after Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukrainian territory, was halted. The diplomatic dispute escalated when Zagreb rejected Budapest’s request to use the Adria pipeline as an alternative route for Russian crude. Croatia insists its infrastructure is ready to supply non-Russian oil but will not be used to perpetuate Hungary’s dependence on the Kreml…
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