Lithuanian PM Dismisses Hungary's Ukraine Pipeline Claims as 'Nonsense'

Lithuanian Prime Minister Olga Ruginienė has called Hungarian Premier Viktor Orbán's claims that Ukraine is deliberately blocking Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline "nonsense." Ruginienė stated that hearing such words while fighting for European security is unacceptable.

Hungary is reportedly blocking the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia and a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, demanding the restoration of oil flows. Kyiv asserts a Russian drone strike damaged the pipeline section in western Ukraine.

Ruginienė emphasized the vulnerability of all of Europe to the Kremlin's aggression, warning Hungary against believing it would be exempt from Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions. She drew on Lithuania's experience with the Soviet Union, highlighting the daily threats faced by frontline states like Lithuania from Russian and Belarusian hybrid warfare, including contraband balloons disrupting airspace.