Oil Pipeline Politics: The European Standoff Escalates

A simmering dispute over the delivery of oil to central Europe heightened on Tuesday when Croatia issued a stark warning against Hungary and Slovakia's calls for additional Russian supplies. The Druzhba pipeline, an essential conduit from Russia through Ukraine, has remained closed since late January.

While Ukraine alleges a Russian attack as the reason for the shutdown, both Hungary and Slovakia charge Kyiv with withholding supply intentionally. This conflict comes as Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, trailing in election polls, might face losing power, spotlighting his steadfast opposition to Ukraine's EU membership and his warmer relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

In response to a request by Hungary and Slovakia to receive oil via Croatia's Adria pipeline, Croatian Economy Minister Ante Susnjar proposed avoiding Russian oil, stating it could inadvertently fund warfare. As Hungary and Slovakia also tap into emergency stocks, tensions align with the broader EU sanctions framework, while obstacles remain due to US sanctions on Russian entities.