Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė dismissed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s claim that Ukraine is deliberately blocking Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, calling it “nonsense.” She urged EU unity as Hungary continues to block the bloc’s 20th sanctions package and a €90 billion loan to Ukraine.

Lithuania Rejects Hungary’s Accusations

Inga Ruginienė, Prime Minister of Lithuania, has firmly rejected allegations made by Viktor Orbán that Ukraine is intentionally disrupting Russian oil supplies to Hungary.

Orbán had suggested that Kyiv was responsible for blocking oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, a key Soviet-era oil artery supplying Central Europe.

Ruginienė told Euronews that such claims are “nonsense,” especially at a time when European nations are striving to bolster collective security amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Sanctions Standoff in Brussels

Hungary is currently using its veto power within the European Union to block:

The EU’s proposed 20th sanctions package against Russia
A €90 billion financial assistance package for Ukraine

Budapest has reportedly tied its approval to restoring oil flows via the pipeline.

Both Hungary and Slovakia previously received exemptions from EU sanctions on Russian oil, allowing them continued access under specific conditions.

Kyiv’s Version: Russian Drone Strike

Ukraine maintains that the damaged section of the Druzhba pipeline in western Ukraine was struck by a Russian drone during Moscow’s sustained winter air campaign targeting critical infrastructure.

Russia’s missile and drone strikes have disrupted electricity, heating, water supplies, and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, especially during harsh winter conditions.

Call for European Unity

Ruginienė emphasized that Europe must present a unified front in response to Russia’s aggression. She warned that no EU member state, including Hungary, is immune to potential Kremlin pressure.

Lithuania, which borders both Russia and Belarus, says it faces ongoing hybrid threats, including the use of air balloons allegedly carrying contraband cigarettes from Belarus into Lithuanian airspace.

These incursions have at times forced temporary closures of Vilnius Airport, underscoring regional security concerns.

Lithuania’s Historical Perspective

Drawing from Lithuania’s experience under Soviet rule, Ruginienė stressed that the country understands the implications of Russian expansionism.

She cautioned against complacency, stating that assuming the war will not affect certain EU countries is a miscalculation.

Key Entities

Inga Ruginienė — Prime Minister of Lithuania
Viktor Orbán — Prime Minister of Hungary
European Union — 27-Member Political & Economic Bloc
Druzhba pipeline — Major Oil Pipeline Supplying Central Europe
Vilnius Airport — Main International Airport of Lithuania

Final Verdict

The dispute between Lithuania and Hungary highlights deep divisions within the EU over how to handle Russia and support Ukraine. While Hungary leverages its veto power for energy security concerns, Lithuania is pushing for unity and stronger collective action. The outcome of this standoff could significantly shape Europe’s sanctions policy and its financial backing of Ukraine.