Péter Magyar: Hungary to Unblock €90 Billion Aid to Ukraine, but Talks with Zelenskyy Postponed Until May

Hungary's future leader, Péter Magyar, addressed the President of Ukraine, demanding the opening of the Druzhba oil pipeline as promised. He emphasized his uncompromising communication style, similar to Zelenskyy in 2019, and the need for a «demonstration of respect» for his voters.

Despite the tough rhetoric, there is already a principled decision to launch Druzhba in exchange for unblocking European aid to Ukraine. However, official negotiations on EU accession have been postponed until Magyar's inauguration as prime minister, expected on May 9. Until then, Magyar is focused on internal political struggle, aiming to «cleanse the Orbán system» and adopt a new constitution.

Magyar stated he is ready to unblock the €90 billion EU aid package for Ukraine. However, Viktor Orbán accelerated this decision, announcing an agreement: Kyiv resumes oil pumping via Druzhba in exchange for Budapest lifting its veto on European funding. This benefits Orbán for completing his mandate and preventing Magyar from reaching agreements with Zelenskyy. For Ukraine, this means faster access to vital funding and avoiding a credit block by the new Bulgarian government.

Magyar avoids official communication with the Ukrainian leadership until he assumes the prime minister's office, fearing Orbán will use it in his propaganda. Orbán's media have already spread fakes about Magyar's connection to Zelenskyy. After the inauguration, a change in Budapest's policy towards Ukraine, Israel, and sanctions policy, which was blocked under Orbán at Russia's behest, is expected.