Prime Minister Jetten meets President Zelensky in Kyiv amid Ukraine-Hungary oil dispute
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten visited Ukraine on Sunday, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss the escalating conflict between Ukraine and EU member Hungary. Jetten laid a wreath with Zelensky during the visit, AD reports, marking his first official trip to the country.
The dispute centers on the Droezjba pipeline, which supplies Hungary with discounted Russian oil. Ukraine claims the pipeline was damaged in a Russian attack, while Hungary insists the oil is being deliberately withheld.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has blocked a 90 billion-euro EU loan to Ukraine until the oil supply through the Droezjba pipeline is restored.
In response, Zelensky warned, “We hope that one person in the European Union will not block the 90 billion euros, or the first installment of that 90 billion euros, and that Ukrainian soldiers will have weapons. Otherwise, we will give this person’s address to our armed forces. They will contact him and speak to him in their own language.” The European Commission said Zelensky’s statement was “unacceptable,” emphasizing that EU member states must not be threatened.
Jetten described the exchanges between both sides as “quite strong,” noting that domestic politics also play a role. Hungary faces elections next month, and Orbán is trailing in the polls. “It must calm down,” Jetten said, emphasizing that the 90 billion-euro loan is “crucial” for Ukraine. He indicated he would consult with Zelensky on ways to resolve the impasse.
This is Jetten’s second foreign trip since taking office, following a visit to Brussels. Last weekend, Dutch ministers Tom Berendsen of Foreign Affairs and Dilan Yeşilgöz of Defense also visited Kyiv.
