Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Sunday as tensions grow between Ukraine and Hungary
over oil supplies through a key pipeline and a stalled European Union loan package.
During his visit to the Ukrainian capital, Jetten and Zelensky laid a wreath together in a symbolic gesture honoring victims of the war. The trip marks Jetten’s first official visit to Ukraine since becoming prime minister.
At the center of the dispute is the Druzhba pipeline, a major oil route that transports discounted Russian crude to Hungary. Ukrainian officials say the pipeline infrastructure was damaged during a recent Russian attack, disrupting supply. Hungary, however, has accused Ukraine of intentionally withholding the oil.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has responded by blocking a proposed €90-billion European Union loan package intended to support Ukraine’s economy and defense. Budapest says it will not lift its veto until the flow of oil through the pipeline is restored.
The dispute intensified after Zelensky issued a sharply worded warning about the blocked funds. “We hope that one person in the European Union will not block the 90 billion euros,” the Ukrainian leader said, adding that Ukrainian soldiers must have weapons to continue defending the country. The European Commission later described Zelensky’s comments as “unacceptable,” stressing that EU member states should not face threats.
Speaking in Kyiv, Jetten acknowledged the rhetoric from both sides had become heated. He described the exchanges as “quite strong,” noting that domestic political pressures in Hungary could also be influencing the situation.
Hungary is heading into national elections next month, and Orbán is currently trailing in opinion polls. According to Jetten, lowering tensions will be key to unlocking the financial support Ukraine urgently needs.
“It must calm down,” the Dutch prime minister said, emphasizing that the EU’s €90-billion loan is “crucial” for Ukraine’s stability and defense. He added that his talks with Zelensky would focus on possible ways to break the political deadlock.
The Kyiv visit is Jetten’s second international trip since taking office, following an earlier visit to Brussels. It also comes shortly after Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz traveled to Kyiv last weekend, underscoring the Netherlands’ continued support for Ukraine. Photo by Martijn Beekman / D66, Wikimedia commons.