Hungary is heading into what could be its most consequential election in decades — and Ukraine has become a central issue in the campaign. The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek reports from

The Hungarian leader says a pipeline carrying Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary must be repaired before any funds can be released.

Gergely Gulyás, head of the office of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, said, News.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media: “Another

Hungary’s foreign minister is accusing Ukraine of trying to sway Hungary’s election, as a dispute over Russian oil drives tensions higher.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Hungary on Friday of taking "hostage" a group of Ukrainian bank employees who were reportedly transporting $40 million and nine kilograms of gold.The State Savings Bank of Ukraine (Oschadbank) said that the bank staff were transporting $40 million and nine kilograms of gold" when they were detained.

European leaders are pushing Prime Minister Viktor Orban to stop blocking a €90 billion loan to Kyiv. But the issue is a rallying cry in elections in Hungary set for April 12.

Thousands have flooded the streets of Budapest on March 15 as two rival political blocs showcased their strength four weeks before the pivotal parliamentary elections.

Orban has cast the vote as a choice between war and peace, accusing his rivals of plotting to drag Hungary into the war raging in neighbouring Ukraine since Russia's February 2022 invasion, accusations which the opposition ​denies. Dismissing his rival's poll lead, Orban said Fidesz should aim to exceed its 2022 election landslide.